I Rise
Moving, fun novel of teen rising to claim mother's legacy.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Marie Arnold's I Rise by is about 14-year-old Ayomide, who's torn between wanting to be a typical teen, preoccupied by boyfriends and hairstyles, and her sense of obligation to follow her mother's footsteps as an activist. Her mother, Rosalie, founded an organization in Harlem to address violence against Black people. A woman is shot in the head. Police violence against Black Americans is a primary theme, including real-life historical events such as the killing of Amadou Diallo. There is a first kiss and a scene where a couple makes out and removes their clothes. They discuss a girl losing her virginity. Adults drink wine and cognac, and smoke marijuana. Teens drink and smoke marijuana at an unsupervised party. "Nigga" and the "N" word are used.
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What's the Story?
When I RISE begins, 14-year-old Ayo and her single mom are in the midst of a conflict that's disrupting their very close relationship. Ayo's mother, Rosalie, is the founder of an activist organization focused on violence and discrimination against Black people. Although Ayo has been involved in the organization for as long as she can remember, now she wants to be a normal teenager. Everything changes when Rosalie is shot by police during a protest.
Is It Any Good?
This is a fun story to read, even though it has sad moments and tackles serious issues. In I Rise, author Marie Arnold uses a mash-up of genres to tell the story in an original way. There's a coming-of-age thread, with mother-daughter bickering, a first kiss, and a teen's struggle to fit in at school. And there's a suspenseful quest in the form of a scavenger hunt the main character's mother devises for her.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Ayo's family's values in I Rise. What moral or social issues are important to your family? How do you live those values?
The theme of courage arises in multiple ways in I Rise. Which is more challenging for you: physical, social, or personal risk?
Sacrifice is one of the major themes of I Rise. What are some things in your life you will not sacrifice for any reason? What are some goals you will sacrifice a lot to achieve?
Book Details
- Author: Marie Arnold
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity, Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Versify
- Publication date: August 2, 2022
- Number of pages: 320
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 13, 2022
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For kids who love mom stories and activist tales
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