Just Be by Carla R Sarratt
By Jennifer Coissiere • Jun 30th, 2008 • Category: Book Review •
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They are back: Kendra, Lamar, Steven, Cidney, and even Destiny; the freshmen of Carter G. Woodson High School. I was first introduced to these characters in Carla R. Sarratt’s young adult novel Freshman Focus, where they were learning the ropes of being in high school and how to deal with unexpected experiences. Now they have returned as they deal with school work and homecoming in the sequel, Just Be.
I do not remember homecoming being a big deal when I was in high school, but the students at Woodson would beg to differ. While preparing for homecoming, some true colors are ringing through. Kendra, still a bit bossy, does not allow anyone to try and bully her into doing anything she does not want. Will she remember to just be Kendra when it comes to going on her first date with Justin or will she be more of the person she thinks he wants her to be?
Steven is still trying to get used to being in a place where people genuinely care about him. Lamar finds out about Steven’s special day, and together with Steven’s family, and their friends, they plan something memorable. While planning a day Steven will never forget, Lamar is trying to figure out different ways to get the teachers to not give him so much work. Will he be successful?
Destiny believes that she is better than everyone else, just because her family has money. When someone begins to taunt her, Destiny takes advice from the most unexpected person. She soon comes to realize money will not buy you everything, especially not friends.
Just Be offers a lesson on not changing to suit other people. The characters are enjoyable, even with their antics in the classroom. I love the history tidbits given in the beginning of every chapter. I learned things about African Americans I never heard before. At times there seemed to be a bit of repetitiveness, and I wanted to not reread something I had already read two times before. Overall, Carla R. Sarratt did a good job depicting the attitudes and the behavior of teenagers. I recommend to parents and teenagers embarking on the journey known as high school.
Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub
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Jennifer Coissiere is an aspiring author, a mother, and a wife. She has been reading books as far back as her memory will allow her to remember. She has always used books as an escape from her everyday life. Her passion for words became evident to her English teacher in the eighth grade. Since then Jennifer has been writing non-stop, but it was not until 2006 when she finally realized her passion. She reviews books because she truly loves reading, and wants to spread the word to more than just the people she knows.
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