GROWN by Tiffany D. Jackson

 

Enchanted Jones is busy with school, swim team, and watching the Littles, her four younger siblings. Her mother works hard and her father does, too, except at the moment a strike has him walking a picket line instead of earning a paycheck. It is getting more and more difficult for them to put food on the table and pay the tuition for the exclusive private school Enchanted and her sister attend.

What Enchanted really wants to be doing is taking singing lessons and working toward her goal of making it big with countless platinum albums to her name. Inspired by her grandmother's encouragement, Enchanted began singing classic R & B tunes at an early age. It is clear she has talent, but the grownups around her consider singing to be just a hobby. Enchanted is sure she can do more.

With the help of her friend Gab, Enchanted has entered singing contests. Gab agrees that Enchanted has talent and is willing to cover for her so Chanty's parents think she's at Will and Willow church meetings or swim meets instead of trying to get noticed at the singing competitions.

Finally, Chanty gets her wish. She doesn't win the competition, but she is noticed by the popular singer Korey Fields. He takes an immediate interest in her and her voice. Secret meetings follow and the two form a fast friendship. Chanty is star struck by the pop singer, and can't believe it when he suggests she accompany him on his next tour.

With the promise of constant supervision and on the road homeschooling, her parents sign a mountain of paperwork, and Enchanted is off to fulfill her dream. The dreamlike journey soon dissolves into a nightmare. Korey's promise to help her record her first album never materializes. His gentle guidance and attention soon turn to abuse both physical and emotional. Chanty can't believe he is the same guy she believes she has come to love.

GROWN by author Tiffany D. Jackson is a real page-turner. Readers will be rooting for the young 17 year old singer while they berate the older man intent on holding her as his prisoner and plaything. Short chapters alternating between NOW and THEN make this a fast-paced read that will have readers breathlessly awaiting the next crisis. Two big thank yous - 1) to the publisher who provided copies for the NCTE/ALAN book boxes, and 2) to the friend whose excitement about the book inspired me to move it up to the top of my TBR pile. It's a great read!