Characters
This 13-year-old protagonist struggles with self-confidence and family problems.
Who is Genesis Anderson?
The reason Genesis and her mom get kicked out of their home.
What is Emory's gambling addiction?
Genesis learns that she is valuable just as she is.
What is self-love?
What does Genesis do to try and change her appearance?
What is trying to lighten her skin color?
This word means being forced to leave your home due to unpaid rent or other reasons.
What is eviction?
This character has a gambling problem and causes instability in the family.
Who is Emory Anderson?
As Genesis and Sharon are unpacking their stuff after they've just moved into their new home in Farmington Hills, dad pulls up with groceries and take-out, how did Emory afford all of this?
What is stealing money out of Sharon's purse?
Supportive friends help Genesis feel more confident.
What is the power of friendship?
What subject does Genesis struggle with in school, making her feel even worse?
What is math?
This term means doubts or worries about yourself.
What are insecurities?
Genesis' choir teacher who helps her tap into her singing potential and develops her interest in their family history.
Who is Mrs. Hill?
This character becomes Genesis tutor after Genesis does poorly on a math diagnostic she took on the first day.
Who is Troy?
This symbol represents Genesis’s way of expressing her feelings and finding happiness.
What is music?
How does Genesis’s relationship with her father affect her self-esteem?
What is his gambling and drinking make her feel unwanted and unworthy?
This word means treating people differently based on their skin tone.
What is colorism?
This family member has strong opinions about beauty and family responsibilities.
Who is Genesis' grandmother?
This is the name of the neighborhood that Genesis' family moves to after getting evicted
What is Farmington Hills?
Genesis’s name represents this idea about starting over.
What is new beginnings?
What does Genesis discover about her grandmother’s beliefs on beauty?
What is Grandmother values lighter skin and makes Genesis feel ashamed of her own?
This term describes making peace after a disagreement.
What is reconciliation?
These two school friends influence how Genesis feels about herself.
Who are Tasha and Yvette?
In chapter 15, Grandma responds to Genesis' question, "You wish I looked more like mama, don't you?" this is Grandma's response when asked this.
This symbolized Genesis' struggle with how she sees herself.
What is beauty and skin color?
In a tender, open-hearted moment between Genesis and her father, Emory opens up about his childhood and his brother's passing. This is his response to Genesis explaining how her uncle died.
What is rabies from a bat?
This word means feeling alone or separated from others.
What is isolation?