I’ll be honest: I wasn’t really feeling Naema in the beginning of this book. Sis and I were not vibing at all, but I grew to appreciate not just Naema but what Bethany C. Morrow was trying to do.

A CHORUS RISES explains the multifaceted nature of Black girlhood and the double-edge sword of “I don’t see you as Black” comments. I loved Naema’s characterization and growth, but I also appreciated how she’s not a likable character. Even though I found myself wanting to scream at her, she grew on me by the middle of the book, and even if she hadn’t, Morrow does an excellent job demonstrating that you don’t have to or need to find Black girls “likable” or “relatable” to respect, value, and protect our humanity and our right to be supremely flawed.

Naema is definitely smart and not easily outwitted. There’s themes of survival as a Black girl in predominantly white settings and the importance of knowing one’s history. I especially enjoyed Naema and Courtney’s bond, and I’m excited (and hope) to see more in this universe that Bethany C. Morrow has created.