by Nyani Nkrumah. Amistad, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers; 2023
“Nyani Nkrumah was born in Boston, and raised in both Ghana and Zimbabwe. She developed her love of reading and writing from her mother, who taught both English literature and language. She encouraged her children to recite poems and Shakespeare soliloquies. After graduating from Amherst College with a dual major in biology and Black studies, Nkrumah received a master’s degree from the University of Michigan and a PhD from Cornell University. She has lived in the Washington, DC, region for the past twenty years.” from the publisher
Ella is eleven years old, very intelligent, and mature. She has dark skin, a broad nose, and textured hair. Her features are quite different from her siblings with their light skin, and almost white features. She has an evil stepfather, and her mother practically ignores and mistreats her.
Katherine is white, living with an evil father and a Black maid named Bessie. Written in alternating voices, Nkrumah tells the story of these two characters. Ella tells her story in first person singular, about her life in Ricksville, Mississippi during the civil rights period. While Katherine’s story is told from a different point of view. When Katherine comes to Ella’s town to conduct some research, Ricksville townspeople are naturally curious and suspicious. Ella and Katherine become “friends”. However, that “friendship” is tested as secrets are revealed, and the townspeople learn more about Katherine and her intent.
Nkrumah writes an engaging story of love, heartache, joy, sadness, with authenticity, accuracy, and realism. The reader can certainly visualize Ricksville’s physical layout of homes and businesses, while also feeling the tensions between the Black and white residents. The reader will certainly feel the evil deeds of Leroy and Katherine’s father. Yes, some readers may find part of the story dark, from Ella’s mistreatment from the racist events and behaviors. Thankfully, Nkrumah doesn’t keep the story dark. Nkrumah takes Ella and the reader to a satisfying ending of love and acceptance.
What works:
The alternating stories of Ella and Katherine. Nkrumah employs first person singular to tell Ella’s story. Ella telling her own story allows the reader to emotionally connect with her, her trauma, her highs and lows. Katherine’s story is told in third person, which is equally effective. Katherine is distant and detached, traits which work very well for her research project in Rockville. Mr. McCabe, the elderly, blind man, sees far better and more clearly than some of the Ricksville residents who have 20/20 vision. His conversations with Ella are insightful, truthful, full of wisdom, and love.
What doesn’t work:
Sometimes the reader may forget that Ella is only eleven years old because her voice and level of maturity is well beyond her years.
Pass it or grab it?
Grab it. Although Ella is eleven years old, this book is definitely for young adults and adults.
Black Cotton Reviewers 