"[Watson] neatly captures a young person's growing enlightenment as she experiences one of the world's most culturally rich neighborhoods…To read Watson's book is to dip into the private history of one particular African-American family. But really, these very relatable stories could be the high points and lows of any family struggling through today's world. After the quietly powerful finale, you get the impression that Amara will one day become a thoughtful teller of many people's stories, much like this book's talented author. -The New York Times Book Review - David Barclay Moore

 

"Watson is a master of structure and character development. . . . Amara’s search for her roots is tender and empowering." - School Library Journal, starred review

"A much-needed novel about the importance of roots and family connections." - Foreword Reviews, starred review

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All Amara wants for her birthday is to visit her father's family in New York City—Harlem, to be exact. She can't wait to finally meet her Grandpa Earl and cousins in person, and to stay in the brownstone where her father grew up. Maybe this will help her understand her family—and herself—in new way.

But New York City is not exactly what Amara thought it would be. It's crowded, with confusing subways, suffocating sidewalks, and her father is too busy with work to spend time with her and too angry to spend time with Grandpa Earl. As she explores, asks questions, and learns more and more about Harlem and about her father and his family history, she realizes how, in some ways more than others, she connects with him, her home, and her family.