A National Book Award Finalist with five starred reviews and multiple awards!A New York Times Notable Book * A Time Magazine Best YA Book Of All Time* Publishers Weekly Flying Start * Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice of 2017 (Top of the List winner) * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * BookPage Best YA Book of the … Journal Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * BookPage Best YA Book of the Year
An evocative and powerful coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jason Reynolds
In this stunning debut novel, Pushcart-nominated author Ibi Zoboi draws on her own experience as a young Haitian immigrant, infusing this lyrical exploration of America with magical realism and vodou culture.
On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie—a good life.
But after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola’s mother is detained by U.S. immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of Detroit’s west side; a new school; and a surprising romance, all on her own.
Just as she finds her footing in this strange new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream?
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Too often, I find flaws in books–esp in character or world–but THIS BOOK was one of those rare treats that left me with not a single complaint. Perfectly crafted magical realism.
When I closed this book I sat and just closed my eyes. I felt all of the small happy moments, the connection with family and the absolute sadness of life. Ibi Zoboi wrote a profound and deeply emotional book that transcends family, returning home to America and immigration. Fabiola Toussaint is separated from her mother as they return to the United States. The mother is detained by immigration in one city and Fabiola is left to continue the journey alone not knowing what will become of her mother. Fabiola deplanes in a strange city unsure of where to go or what to do until her cousins find her in the airport. This is a story of a teenager faced with hardships in Haiti and hoping for a better life in America with her mother that it seems will not happen. The ups and downs of Fabiola, her aunt and cousins draw you in as a member of the family. This story will remain in my heart and mind.
One of my favorite books of 2018!
I cried and then laughed at myself for crying then cried again. Then spent 4 days thinking about the ending…
I purchased this book after reading reviews, giving it a Highly Rated status, coupled with the fact that it was listed as a National Book Award Finalist. I teach high school and was looking for a new, updated identity book for my freshman to read, replacing “To Kill A Mockingbird.” This was definitely not it.
The F word is practically used on every page of the book. While I don’t mind kids reading relevant vernacular, even if it is a cuss word here or there, this littering throughout the entire book was just over the top. In my opinion, the messages of drug dealing, domestic violence, and teenage sex are not delivered in a way which would lead to any positive lessons for teenagers.. The plot was so predictable I had figured out the whole thing by the second chapter.
Ms. Zoboi had an opportunity to write a serious literary book about immigration, identity, feminism, racism, gentrification, and the thug life, but instead seemed to take the low road and the result is a cheapened version of what it could have been. I was so disappointed.
I purchased this book and audio and hard copy that is how much I enjoyed it. it is one of the most original books I’ve read in a long time because everything today is so cookie cutter. It was refreshing to read a book about a group of people other than caucasians, and for that I think this beautiful author.
American Street is one of the most important, heartbreaking, beautiful books I have ever read. Not only is the story thrilling and timely, but the writing itself is absolutely beautiful. It is clear that Zoboi put a lot of time and thought into this wonderful novel. I recommend to everyone (full adults and young adults).
This book moved me. It was set in Detroit, my home town. It was realistic and heartbreaking. A girl born here but raised in Haiti joins her family in Detroit and finds people are similar no matter where you are. Moving story.
This one brought me to tears. Such an impacting read!