Keeping It Real, Paula Chase
Keeping It Real, Paula Chase
List: $26.99 | Sale: $18.89
Club: $13.49

Keeping It Real

Author: Paula Chase

Narrator: Eboni Flowers

Unabridged: 8 hr 22 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/19/2021


Synopsis

“Fun and juicy.”—New York Times“A solid story of summer growth and exploration.”—Kirkus ReviewsMarigold Johnson is looking forward to a future full of family, friends, and fashion—but what will she do when it all explodes in her face? When she discovers that her entire life is a lie?Paula Chase, the author of So Done, Dough Boys, and Turning Point, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgiveness—and what it means to be family—in this stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Renée Watson.Marigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.Paula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. Keeping It Real is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase’s character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.

About Paula Chase

Paula Chase is the cofounder of The Brown Bookshelf, a site designed to increase awareness of African American voices writing for young readers. She lives in Annapolis, Maryland. Her novels include the acclaimed So Done and its companion, Dough Boys. www.paulachasehyman.com


Reviews

Goodreads review by CW ✨ on September 09, 2021

This is a great book for readers who enjoy older MG/younger YA, are into fashion, and want a story with familial relationships and friendships with plenty of nuance. - Follows Marigold, a young Black teen who attends her family business’s special program for young teens who love fashion – and discove......more

Goodreads review by Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) on October 19, 2021

Keeping It Real is a riveting upper middle grade about family, privilege, and conformity in the Black community. With a perfect in-between voice, this book is perfect for older tweens and younger teens in the eighth grade and older. Kids who enjoy stories about fashion, the arts, friendships, and fa......more

Goodreads review by Alexis on October 05, 2021

Paula Chase has a unique voice that is not easily done in middle grade books. I was immediately drawn into Mari’s story through her voice and the fashion and drama. The drama just kept going and the pages kept turning. Chase has a way of developing characters in such a way that you can see them and......more

Goodreads review by Dr. T Loves Books on September 21, 2021

What it's about: Marigold Johnson attends the Flowers Academy, an elite private school. Her parents insist that she get the best education they can provide for her - and thanks to their incredibly popular fashion company Flexx Unlimited, the Johnsons can provide a lot. Mari loves designing fashion a......more

Goodreads review by DeAnne on October 16, 2021

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I haven't read anything by Paula Chase before, but I fell in love with this one. I really enjoyed that this is more of an upper middle grade age, which is something that you don't see a lot. The writing style and ove......more