EASTSIDE STORY

Thedford offers an African American girl’s story of family and faith in East Atlanta in this YA novel.

After Egypt James’ father leaves her family without explanation, she struggles to cope with the loss, experiencing an emotional breakdown and expulsion from school, but she’s supported by her loving mother. Egypt enrolls in Eastside High School, following her family tradition of entering the debutante program. At a local fundraiser, she meets motorcycle-riding William Harris, who’s an attractive but dangerous member of the drug-dealing LD03 gang. Rumors persist about William recruiting young girls to become private dancers for men; still, drawn in by his charm, Egypt becomes pregnant with William’s baby. Soon, William is arrested for human trafficking, and Egypt learns that more LD03 operations are still in operation. And as her father reemerges in her life, questions persist about his own connection to the LD03 and his role in the corruption that consumes her community. Thedford presents a coming-of-age story rife with real-world struggles and set in an Atlanta community in which children mature fast amid violence, poverty, and drug crime. Although the work is never graphic, it effectively deals with difficult themes, including substance abuse, infant mortality, and youth trafficking. Still, the work maintains an uplifting tone, with positive outcomes for most of its main characters. It also highlights Christian faith and forgiveness in a way that may appeal to religious readers and has a message that persistence can bring one’s dreams to life.

A dramatic saga of crime and second chances.