by Rita Williams-Garcia

A 1996 Coretta Scott King Honor Book ALA Best Book for Young Adults

When Gayle gets into trouble with her boyfriend, her mother sends the street-smart 14-year-old and her baby, Jose, down to Georgia, to live with Uncle Luther and his family. There's nothing to do, nowhere to go, and no one around except kneesock-wearing, Jesus-praising cousin Cookie. Then Gayle meets Great, the family matriarch and her stories of the past begin to change how Gayle sees her future. Williams-Garcia has surpassed herself. She has set these fictional characters firmly in the real world while still allowing them to rise from the pages and into readers hearts and imaginations.