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Overview
Feni is furious when she finds out that her mother has agreed to take a fifteen-year-old pregnant girl into their home until her baby is born. What kind of girl would let herself get into so much trouble? How can Feni live under the same roof with someone like that? Her worst fears are confirmed when Rebecca arrives: she is mean, bossy, and uneducated. Feni decides she will have nothing to do with her. But it's hard not to be curious about a girl so close to her in age who seems so different. . . .
Twelve-year-old Feni has to adjust when the pregnant young daughter of an old friend of her mother's comes to stay with them.
Synopsis
Feni is furious when she finds out that her mother has agreed to take a fifteen-year-old pregnant girl into their home until her baby is born. What kind of girl would let herself get into so much trouble? How can Feni live under the same roof with someone like that? Her worst fears are confirmed when Rebecca arrives: she is mean, bossy, and uneducated. Feni decides she will have nothing to do with her. But it's hard not to be curious about a girl so close to her in age who seems so different. . . .
Publishers Weekly
Jacqueline Woodson's The Dear One tells of 12-year-old Feni, who is stunned when her mother brings a pregnant teenage friend to stay with them. On the book's publication in 1991, PW wrote, "Woodson's deep understanding of and concern for the role of black women in society is evident as she eloquently introduces the reader to teenage pregnancy, alternate lifestyles and adoption in her moving, powerful story." Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
Publishers Weekly -
In PW 's words, ``Woodson's deep understanding of and concern for the role of black women in society is evident as she eloquently introduces the reader to teenage pregnancy, alternate lifestyles and adoption in her moving, powerful story.'' Ages 12-up. Jan.Publishers Weekly
Jacqueline Woodson's The Dear One tells of 12-year-old Feni, who is stunned when her mother brings a pregnant teenage friend to stay with them. On the book's publication in 1991, PW wrote, "Woodson's deep understanding of and concern for the role of black women in society is evident as she eloquently introduces the reader to teenage pregnancy, alternate lifestyles and adoption in her moving, powerful story." Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.KLIATT
Woodson's second novel, previously published in 1991, has been attractively packaged by Speak/Penguin, with an enticing photo of an infant's feet. It is a sterling, well-crafted narrative that considers the gamut of emotions and opportunities that teen pregnancy presents. Meet Feni (Alfeni, "dear one" in Swahili) who has suffered the loss of her dear grandmother, her mother's alcoholism and her parents' divorce in her 12-year-old life. When Mom announces the impending arrival of an old school friend's pregnant 15-year-old daughter, it is no wonder that Feni feels her fragile universe is threatened. Rebecca arrives, with the clash of innocence, the myths and mysteries of sexual behavior, and a rude attitude from her Harlem background, and the girls must learn to share their suburban household space. Mom's lesbian friends Marion and Bernadette pitch in to help Rebecca and the pregnancy develops. The importance of friendship is beautifully illustrated by these strong African-American women as well as by the girls. Social strata, the power of money, the meaning of love and the varied concepts of family move the touching story to a hopeful, teary ending. Suggest this gem along with Angela Johnson's The First Part Last for a sound understanding of the complex problem of teens having children. KLIATT Codes: JS*—Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. 1991, Penguin Putnam, Speak, 144p., Ages 12 to 18.—Nancy Zachary