The Good Negress by A. J. VerdelleWonderfully written, very languidly paced coming-of-age tale of a rural, Black girl, raised by her grandmother. Denise “Neecy “Palms, is 12 years old when she rejoins her mother in 1950s Detroit. Painfully shy, and awkward, she nonetheless quickly becomes the "little mama" of the household; taking care of her new stepfather, and adored, older brothers, and cooking the 'down home', southern recipes her grandmother taught her. But in addition to cleaning, and cooking, Neecy discovers a life of the mind at a new school. Encouraged and coaxed by an eager teacher, she struggles to overcome her thick, southern tongue, and to perfect her spelling, she hones an innate gift for language and learning. But when her mother becomes pregnant, Neecy is terrified she'll be forced to give up her beloved school to stay home and look after her new infant baby sister.
Memorable characters are drawn with great style in this story which is a gem from start to finish.
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