Click here to buy this book! Amazon Lulu Category:  Young Adult/Teen Publisher: 25 Monroe Street Books ISBN-10:  0615410952 Type: Fiction Pages: 178 Copyright: January 1, 2017 ISBN-13: 9780615410951 Fifteen-year-old Kendra James' life begins to spiral out of control with the return of her long-lost runaway sister Meisha, and the visit of a young celebrity uncle with questionable intentions. Things take a particular turn for the worse when that uncle exploits Kendra's loneliness and untreated depression and makes a move on her that sends her world into a tailspin from which she's not sure she'll ever recover. Will she survive this tragedy...or will she hit rock-bottom before anyone even notices? Fifteen-year-old Kendra James hasn't been feeling like herself lately. It isn't anything she can explain. And truth be told, it isn't anything her parents seem to want to hear. So she's left to fend for herself against the cloud of sadness that seems to have settled permanently above her head. Things take a turn for the better when Kendra's older sister Meisha suddenly reappears after having mysteriously disappeared ten years before. Things are looking up—until the day the girls are discovered together and are forbidden to see each other. Enter Kendra's uncle—a popular professional football player who steps into the picture, showering her with gifts, money, and even better, the attention she so desperately craves. Once again, Kendra finds herself in a relationship she must keep secret, especially once he makes a move that changes everything forever and sends Kendra's world into a tailspin from which she's not sure she'll ever recover.

Publishers Weekly
This emotionally powerful novel gets right to the essence of what a young adult novel should be, empathetically exploring the experience of a teenage girl. Kendra is dealing with depression, the social dynamics of the black community, family problems, and abuse, yet holding on to a core of optimism that will help her become a strong and successful adult. Kendra is the first member of her family to econnect with her missing sister, Meisha, who ran away a decade earlier. Meisha's return puts a strain on the family when the reason behind her departure is finally revealed. Kendra's talent and strong desire to be a writer bring the attention of her English teacher, but this also leaves her vulnerable to her famous sports announcer uncle, CJ. Desperate for attention, Kendra ignores the warning signs; CJ gains her confidence and offers her a laptop to use in his apartment. The abuse that follows is not described in detail and is not the only defining point for the character. An excellent read for any girl who feels misunderstood, or for readers that remember what it felt like to be confused and hurt, but hopeful as they moved toward adulthood. ~ 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Competition Semi-Finalist