Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Compelling, violent fantasy set in segregated '62 South.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
DAUGHTERS OF JUBILATION tells the story of 16-year-old Evalene, who lives in a small U.S. Southern town in 1962. She's just starting to come into her magical powers called Jubilation, which have been passed through generations of women in her family since before slavery. But those powers are as hard to understand and control as the emotions they bring to the forefront, and Evalene needs help figuring it all out. There's also the fact that Clayton, who she's had a crush on for years, is finally starting to pay attention to her. And then there's the mysterious, creepy stranger who keeps turning up, who seems to know Evalene, and one night even manages to get inside her house. Can her Jubilation save her and her family, or will it bring their entire world crashing down around them?
Is It Any Good?
This compelling read keeps the pages turning by nicely balancing lots of different elements, like systemic racism, magic, family, first love, community, belonging, and more. Daughters of Jubilation also adds an engaging teen main character grappling with growing-up issues anyone can relate to, and a host of other well-developed and colorful characters. Readers will also get a real sense of how the segregated society affected individuals, families, and communities, which may encourage understanding and inspire empathy. The novel has a well-structured plot and inventive magical elements that evoke Evalene's connection to her ancestors. Strong sex, violence, and language make it best for mature teens and up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Daughters of Jubilation. Is it too much? Is it realistic? Is reading about violence different from seeing it in other media?
What about the sex? Is it gratuitous or fitting to the story? How much sex is OK in books, movies, games, etc.?
What do you think about books that blend historical settings with fantasy? Does it make the real-world stuff seem less accurate? What other books have you read that blend history and fantasy? Which are your favorites?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon Pulse
- Publication date : October 13, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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