* AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * INDIE BESTSELLER * JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION * KIDS' INDIE NEXT LIST PICK * NPR BEST PICK * KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR *
New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson ramps up the horror and tackles America's history and legacy of racism in this suspenseful YA novel following a biracial teenager as her Georgia high school hosts its first integrated prom.
When Springville residents—at least the ones still alive—are questioned about what happened on prom night, they all have the same explanation . . . Maddy did it.
An outcast at her small-town Georgia high school, Madison Washington has always been a teasing target for bullies. And she's dealt with it because she has more pressing problems to manage. Until the morning a surprise rainstorm reveals her most closely kept secret: Maddy is biracial. She has been passing for white her entire life at the behest of her fanatical white father, Thomas Washington.
After a viral bullying video pulls back the curtain on Springville High's racist roots, student leaders come up with a plan to change their image: host the school's first integrated prom as a show of unity. The popular white class president convinces her Black superstar quarterback boyfriend to ask Maddy to be his date, leaving Maddy wondering if it's possible to have a normal life.
But some of her classmates aren't done with her just yet. And what they don't know is that Maddy still has another secret . . . one that will cost them all their lives.
* AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * INDIE BESTSELLER * JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION * KIDS' INDIE NEXT LIST PICK * NPR BEST PICK * KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR *
New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson ramps up the horror and tackles America's history and legacy of racism in this suspenseful YA novel following a biracial teenager as her Georgia high school hosts its first integrated prom.
When Springville residents—at least the ones still alive—are questioned about what happened on prom night, they all have the same explanation . . . Maddy did it.
An outcast at her small-town Georgia high school, Madison Washington has always been a teasing target for bullies. And she's dealt with it because she has more pressing problems to manage. Until the morning a surprise rainstorm reveals her most closely kept secret: Maddy is biracial. She has been passing for white her entire life at the behest of her fanatical white father, Thomas Washington.
After a viral bullying video pulls back the curtain on Springville High's racist roots, student leaders come up with a plan to change their image: host the school's first integrated prom as a show of unity. The popular white class president convinces her Black superstar quarterback boyfriend to ask Maddy to be his date, leaving Maddy wondering if it's possible to have a normal life.
But some of her classmates aren't done with her just yet. And what they don't know is that Maddy still has another secret . . . one that will cost them all their lives.
Reviews-
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Versatile narrators effectively differentiate interwoven characters' perspectives in this retelling of Stephen King's CARRIE, made more horrific by its theme of racism. Maddy (Carrie redux), a timid biracial teen who is bullied at school, has secret psychic powers that explode on prom night. As a broadcast reporter, portrayed by Christopher Salazar, tracks the facts of what happened, his neutrality is challenged by his British cohost, portrayed by Sarah Mollo-Christensen. Mollo-Christensen also portrays the spoiled Jules, who manipulates prejudice to her advantage. JD Jackson captures African American Kenny's easygoing temperament. His personality contrasts with that of his white girlfriend, Wendy, as Joy Nash delivers the driven girl's determination to look good. Karen Malina White expresses the torment of Maddy. Collectively, the narrators ensure that the story is clear and captivating. S.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
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Starred review from October 1, 2022
Gr 9 Up-An astonishingly affecting cast (albeit uncredited with who-read-whom) magnificently enlivens Jackson's stupendous homage to her "favorite movie of ALL TIME" (no spoilers). Here's the basic story: Maddy Washington is raised white by her abusive white father, but she-and the rest of their little town-finds out she's biracial, Black and white. Popular (white) Wendy feels sorry for all the bullying she's never stopped and convinces her (Black) boyfriend Kenny to take Maddy to prom; Wendy and Kenny couldn't go anyway because proms are still segregated in 2014! The book opens with a chilling podcast, "Maddy Did It," which attempts to piece together what happened that fateful prom night; its enthralling episodes are interwoven throughout the mesmerizing 11 hours. Christopher Salazar is podcast host Michael-earnest, prodding, challenging. Sarah Mollo-Christensen as his series cohost, Tanya, is an ideal sidekick with a Sydney accent, clever timing, and doubtful exasperation; she's also remarkable as manipulative, spoiled, rich, and racist Jules. Karen Malina White embodies frightened, simmering Maddy, and Kenny's angry activist sister Kali. JD Jackson is superb as conflicted Kenny. VERDICT Libraries should prepare for an onslaught of requests in every medium for what will surely be one of the most memorable, in-demand titles of the year.
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
