HATTIE MAE BEGINS AGAIN

In 1938, a girl from North Carolina struggles to fit in at her new Philadelphia boarding school.

Twelve-year-old Hattie Mae Jenkins, whom readers first met in Once in a Blue Moon (2023), has just entered Miss Abigail’s School for Exceptional Young Ladies. Miss Abigail is Ma’s cousin, but Hattie is supposed to keep their relationship secret to avoid any appearance of favoritism. Many of the other girls are from elite African American families, and some decide that country girls like her don’t belong there. Fortunately, Hattie has a welcoming roommate, and she makes a new friend in Alabaster, a neighborhood boy who reminds her of home. Despite feeling intimidated, the spirited Hattie studies hard and avoids sharing her problems—but issues escalate between her and wealthy, entitled classmate Lisa, who “gets away with murder.” Hattie finds herself embroiled in a conflict that she dare not share with Cousin Abigail until it’s too late. As the school’s very existence becomes threatened, Hattie’s resilience and resourcefulness save the day and even expand Miss Abigail’s vision. Flake’s extensive research wonderfully captures the experience of African Americans in Philadelphia during the era of the Great Migration. She doesn’t shy away from portraying tensions within the community between newcomers and those with deep local roots. The lively writing and strong character development enhance the story and provide readers with age-appropriate insights.

A compelling coming-of-age story enriched by its historical texture.