Review by Booklist Review
Together, Denver, Dali, and Shak make up the Angelic Voices, a girl group desperate to be discovered. So when famous R & B star Sean "Mercury" Ellis takes an interest in the girls after hearing them sing outside of his concert, it seems like the stars have finally aligned. Despite the incredible opportunity this presents, Denver's parents agree that their 17-year-old daughter will not be going off to work with a 30-something man. Or so they think. What first seems to be a rags-to-riches affair takes a murky turn for the worst as this novel in verse shows the girls' flashy life with Mercury morph into one where they are held hostage and abused. Charles plays continuously with space and language here, effortlessly weaving together the story of Denver's and Dali's traumas associated with family, friendships, and desires for stardom. Trigger warning: there is explicit mention of sexual assault here, in addition to physical abuse. Ultimately, this book's ending will leave readers at a heart-racing stall, asking, Can chasing fame really cost you your life? Teens enamored by the writing of Tiffany D. Jackson and Jason Reynolds will be swept away by this taut and gritty read.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Dali, Denver, and Shak, "three brown girls," are 17-year-old best friends living in a boring white town, which they dream of someday leaving. Denver feels that music is her destiny, so when R&B megastar Sean "Mercury" Ellis is in town to perform, she and the other two teens act quickly to get his attention. Performing for the musician, the trio soon finds themselves part of his inner circle. Denver believes this is her big break, but things take a sharp turn when Mercury begins to show his controlling nature. Committed to securing a record deal, Denver finds herself willing to do anything, including lying to her mother and ignoring Shak's warning about Mercury. Accepting the opportunity to live in Atlanta with Mercury, Denver and Dali believe they will soon record their album--only to slowly realize this is merely the beginning of a tumultuous journey of abuse caused by the celebrity singer. Though the novel includes potentially triggering subjects such as sexual assault, it's an eye-opening narrative that spotlights the uneven power dynamics endemic in the music industry. Ages 12--up. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 10 Up--Haitian American 17-year-old Denver and her friends Dalisay, who is Dominican, and Shakira, who is Black, are a local Shohola Falls, PA, R & B group called Angelic Voices. When they are noticed by popular singer and producer Sean "Mercury" Ellis, their world, which looks bright and promising, becomes full of deceit and isolation. Charles's heartbreaking novel in verse shows the harsh realities of the music industry and runs parallel to the real-life #MuteRKelly and #MeToo movements. Denver's first-person narration is completely believable. She is an honest and reflective character who often thinks about her choices and how she is doing the best she can with what she knows. Denver shares insight to her family life, her love of music, and also her secret love and adoration for Dalisay that is hidden from her family and Shakira. Denver's voice is unique, delicate, and written from the point of view of a relatable teen girl who struggles with her identity. Readers are advised of themes that may be triggering such as "rape, eating disorders, abuse, manipulation, and divorce." These themes are worth exploring and may teach readers that these tragedies can happen to anyone. The book also shows the importance of having a trusted adult to talk to and the warning signs of manipulation. VERDICT Hand this to fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Tiffany D. Jackson.--Kharissa Kenner, Bank Street Sch. for Children, New York City
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Review by Horn Book Review
This timely and lyrical verse novel offers a heart-wrenching, unflinching look at the underbelly of the music industry and its exploitation of those who dream of making it big. Three best friends, all talented singers and girls of color who dream of a life outside of their small, mostly white Pennsylvania town, slip away to Newark and find their way into the orbit of Sean "Mercury" Ellis, the "King of RB." Merc encourages their ambitions and takes them under his wing. His promises of fame and fortune not only fuel their dreams but also their insecurities, which Merc is able to capitalize upon as he begins to morph from a smooth, crooning mentor into a sinister, controlling abuser. Charles (Like Vanessa, rev. 3/18, and others) takes on the difficult topics of emotional manipulation, sexual exploitation, and abuse. These vulnerable young women's stories are, sadly, not uncommon [see also Tiffany D. Jackson's Grown, rev. 9/20, and Sharon G. Flake's The Life I'm In, reviewed on page 87], but their tight bond as friends continues to offer hope in the midst of sacrifice, broken promises, secrets, and lies. The writing at once urges readers to relish the verse and catapults them toward a breathless, satisfying conclusion. Monique HarrisMarch/April 2021 p.84(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Denver Lafleur, along with friends Shak and Dali, is out to achieve her dreams while being pulled into the dark side of the music industry by a conniving, exploitative, male R & B superstar. Readers are introduced to the wonderful harmonies of these three girls of color as they win $50 at a Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, corn festival. They hold on to each other, their love for music a refuge from the racial tensions of their mostly White home, far away from Denver's Brooklyn roots. They know all too well that they are bigger than this place and, after sneaking off to Newark, manage a chance meeting with king of R & B Sean "Mercury" Ellis. Merc notices their talent and provides a platform for them to reach an audience, but red flags appear, pointing to his controlling behaviors. Something more sinister is at play, and with the teenage girls away from familial support in Merc's world, who will protect them? Charles, herself a former young R & B artist, draws upon themes from the still-unfolding criminal investigation of R. Kelly. The powerful, smoothly flowing text will drive readers to seriously challenge the societal vulnerabilities and toxic ideologies that leave girls of color open to sexual violence and harm. Themes of friendship, family, cultural inheritance, and taking a stand are strong throughout. This novel ripped from the headlines is a necessary reckoning that amplifies the voices of Black and brown girls. (Verse novel. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
