LOVE IS A REVOLUTION

Renée Watson narrates this story like it's a chat with a best friend. Nala's goals for the summer before her senior year are to spend tons of time with her cousin-sister-friend Imani and, she hopes, to get a boyfriend. When she meets Tye at one of Imani's "Rise, Harlem" events, she feeds the sparks between them with a few little lies designed to make herself sound like more of an activist. Watson's voice and writing create a vivacious yet vulnerable Nala, who wants Tye to see the person she really is while still trying to find out who she wants to be. Watson's rhythm for the interlude lyrics by Nala's favorite singer, Blue, is spellbinding. The story tenderly explores what it takes to create change in one's community and oneself. S.T.C. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2021]