Patrice Williams was happy living in Georgia with her grandmother, who called her cocoa grandbaby. Then her mother lured her to Chicago and ended up in jail. Now Patrice lives with her Auntie Mae, and her new nickname is Puffy thanks to her giant poof of hair. But Patrice s hair isn t the only reason she sticks out: she cares about her grades and strives for the best. That s why Monty Freeman, another eighth grader who lives in the building, asks Patrice to tutor his little brother. Even though Monty s friends make Patrice uneasy, Monty himself is friendly, confident, and surprisingly smart. When he becomes her guardian angel, Patrice begins to think something stronger than friendship might be growing between them. Still, nothing will stop her from applying for a scholarship at prestigious Dogwood Academy her ticket out of the project and a school populated by gangs and drug runners. nbsp; In her debut novel, Traci L. Jones presents a girl with grit she never knew she had, and a boy so inspired by her that he begins to take pride in his own abilities. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Thirteen-year-old Patrice Williams isn't used to the dangers of Chicago. A year ago, she lived in Georgia with her grandmother-until her mother "spirited her away." But in less than three months' time, her mother is sent to jail. Now, Patrice lives with her Auntie Mae in a small apartment in the projects and is responsible for household chores, caring for her auntie's two children, while keeping up her excellent grades. When the principal at school encourages Patrice to apply for a scholarship at a prestigious African-American boarding school in Mississippi, Patrice knows this may be her only opportunity for a better life. There is one catch-Patrice needs her mother's signature. Patrice finds support in solving her problem through Monty, a one-time gang leader who, inspired by Patrice, now thinks school and learning are important. Readers will be delighted as their friendship evolves into romance, and things begin to look up for both of them. Though at times the writing can be uneven, and Patrice's living situation seems too comfortable, first-time novelist Jones gently and credibly exposes readers to the gritty side of city life-where gangs rule the streets, parents abandon their children for crime or drugs, and children find few opportunities to escape. Ages 12-up. (Sept.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 7-9-A housing project, an incarcerated parent, and other elements of inner-city life form the backdrop for this story about eighth-grader Patrice. She has been uprooted from Georgia and the beloved grandmother who raised her, and is struggling to accept her difficult life, handle the bitter Chicago winter, and stay ahead of the group of boys who taunt her when her principal asks her to apply for a scholarship to a prestigious African-American boarding school in Mississippi. Stories of hope, loyalty, and success such as this one are valuable for letting all kids see themselves in books and for fighting the endless stereotypes that surround them. It's unfortunate that the writing isn't more even and polished, rather than utilitarian with a tendency to tell, not show. Despite this, girls will appreciate the strength that underlies Patrice's quiet and unassuming exterior and will cheer for her and for Monty, the cool guy who is inspired by her willingness to be different. Decent characterization, together with a worthwhile topic, makes this a title to consider.-Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr. 6-9. In the tradition of Janet McDonald, this moving first novel tells a hopeful story of Patrice, a shy, studious teen who beats the odds in her grim inner-city neighborhood. Patrice, who lives with her aunt, never knew her dad and barely met her mom, who is in jail. When she gets a chance to win a scholarship to a prestigious African American boarding school, pressures in her aunt's home and on the streets threaten to pull her down--until Monty, a gang leader, protects her and loves her. Monty is too saintly to be credible: tender with Patrice and with his little brother, totally supportive, and patient as he waits for her to kiss him. But the harshness of Patrice's daily life is always there--guys who try to fondle her, her promiscuous older sister, Monty's dad in jail, and so many classmates who are pregnant. Handled without obscenity, the lively street talk will draw readers to the gripping story of a contemporary kid who works to make her dreams come true. Link this to McDonald's Twists and Turns (2003) and to Rita Williams Garcia's Fast Talk on a Slow Track (1991). --Hazel Rochman Copyright 2006 Booklist From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.