Teen Fiction

Standing Against the Wind

Name: Standing Against the Wind
Author: Traci L. Jones
ISBN: 9780312622930

by Traci L. Jones

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Overview

Patrice Williams was happy living in Georgia with her grandmother, then her mother lured her to Chicago and ended up in jail. Living in the projects, Patrice is an easy target for everyone. Not only won’t she stand up for herself, she cares about her grades—unlike her classmates. But that draws the attention of Monty Freeman, another eighth grader who asks Patrice to tutor his little brother. When Monty becomes her guardian angel, Patrice begins to think something stronger than friendship might be growing between them. Still, nothing will stop her from applying for a scholarship at prestigious Dogwood Academy—except her mother.

Standing Against the Wind is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year and the winner of the 2007 Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe New Talent Award.

Synopsis

Patrice dreams of a first-class education, but right now she’s just got to survive the walk to school.

VOYA

Patrice has lived happily in Georgia with her grandmother until her long-absent mother shows up, convincing her to move to inner-city Chicago. Within months, Patrice's mother is sentenced to several years in prison, and Patrice is forced to relocate with an aunt in Chicago. The eighth grader excels in school, but she is shy and quiet and faces constant teasing and threats from a group of boys in her neighborhood. The leader of the group, Monty, protects her from the other boys and convinces Patrice to tutor his first grade brother. The principal of her school encourages Patrice to apply for a scholarship to a prestigious African American boarding school down South, and Monty and Patrice see hope for her beyond the dangerous streets of Chicago. This excellent first novel is quite memorable, and readers will be drawn into Patrice's quiet but determined quest for a more promising future. The book is reminiscent of Janet McDonald's work and will likely appeal to her fans. Although Monty may at times seem "too good to be true," the perseverance that he and Patrice display is inspiring and the other characters and dialogue ring true. This book is quick moving and engaging and is recommended for reluctant readers. It is a highly recommended purchase for libraries serving middle school and high school students, and this reviewer would not be surprised to see it chosen as an award winner or honor book.

About the Author, Traci L. Jones

TRACI L. JONES lives with her husband and children in Denver, Colorado.

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Editorials

Children's Literature - Denise Daley

Living in the big city of Chicago is frightening for thirteen-year-old Patrice. Patrice recently had to move in with her Aunt. She wishes that people would just leave her alone. Unfortunately, gangs of young boys seldom ignore single girls, especially single girls with a noticeably huge mop of wild, uncontrollable hair. Patrice is offered a glimpse of relief from the constant teasing when a boy named Monty becomes her friend. Patrice also gains a glimmer of hope when the school principal suggests that she apply for a scholarship to a renowned African American boarding school. Completing the scholarship paperwork is a challenge for Patrice, especially since her mother, who needs to sign the papers, is in jail. Patrice finds support in an unexpected source. Monty is one of the few people who can see through Patrice's mass of hair and has faith in the person he sees underneath. In spite of the difficult and sometimes upsetting obstacles that confront Patrice, this well-written book is full of warmth, emotion, and hope.

VOYA - Sherrie Williams

School Library Journal

Gr 7-9-A housing project, an incarcerated parent, and other elements of inner-city life form the backdrop for this story about eighth-grader Patrice. She has been uprooted from Georgia and the beloved grandmother who raised her, and is struggling to accept her difficult life, handle the bitter Chicago winter, and stay ahead of the group of boys who taunt her when her principal asks her to apply for a scholarship to a prestigious African-American boarding school in Mississippi. Stories of hope, loyalty, and success such as this one are valuable for letting all kids see themselves in books and for fighting the endless stereotypes that surround them. It's unfortunate that the writing isn't more even and polished, rather than utilitarian with a tendency to tell, not show. Despite this, girls will appreciate the strength that underlies Patrice's quiet and unassuming exterior and will cheer for her and for Monty, the cool guy who is inspired by her willingness to be different. Decent characterization, together with a worthwhile topic, makes this a title to consider.-Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Patrice's rarely seen mother is in jail, and shy, studious Patrice lives with her aunt in a crowded apartment in the Chicago projects. Each day she must run the gauntlet of taunts and threats, as she negotiates the halls of her middle school and the long cold blocks between school and home. When Monty becomes her friend and protector, she is able to concentrate on applying for a scholarship to a prestigious African-American boarding school. It takes courage, ingenuity and help from Monty to get to the prison and to convince her uncaring mother to sign the application. Along the way, Monty, impressed by Patrice's steadfastness, raises his own grades and goals. Jones vividly and painfully portrays the deadening effects of poverty, hopelessness and dysfunctional and ever-changing family relationships. She chooses credible language for each character without creating caricatures. Patrice is a true hero, a child who has the inner strength to overcome roadblocks to success. Moving and thought-provoking. (Fiction. 12-14)