Taneesha’s parents never listen, they’re always talking right over her. This is a strong central theme throughout the book, as Taneesha struggles to find her own voice.

She struggles to speak up and tell her best friend, Carli, that she doesn’t want to be class president, even though Carli’s already nominated her. Taneesha struggles to speak up against the bully who picks on her every day after school. Taneesha struggles to speak up and tell her parents that the Buddhist chant they think is the solution to every problem isn’t helping with hers. Most of all, Taneesha struggles to speak up louder than the inner voice who’s always beating her down.

I love Taneesha’s struggles. Her problems grow bigger and bigger until they’re ready to burst. The author does a great job of moving the story forward toward its inevitable ending. The characters interact well, and readers will feel Taneesha’s very real frustration when her parents won’t listen to what she’s trying to say or when her friend doesn’t seem to know what’s wrong.

Heavy-handed descriptions of what each character is wearing in nearly every scene can get a bit tiresome, and the book’s messages could be a little more subtle. However, the messages are worthy and well thought out, and combined with the well-told story of Taneesha’s plight, this is a book that will resonate with its target audience.

The cover art, by honor winning Floyd Cooper, is worth mentioning, as the characters are ready to jump off the cover and tell their own stories. Excellent hues that perfectly match the setting so carefully drawn out by Perry, make this cover one that will gain the interest of kids who will relate to Taneesha.

I’m also impressed with Wisdom Publication’s choice to produce the book with environmental mindfulness and describe its impact on reserving natural resources.

A caring book about a caring character with a story kids will nod along with—-this one is a winner!

Off to turn another page….

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