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I Rise

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( 388 ratings, 93 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
I Rise by Marie Arnold features 14-year-old Ayo who finds her life turned upside-down when her activism becomes a viral phenomenon. Living in Harlem, she initially struggles with the pressure of living up to her mother's legacy as a famous activist. As the story unfolds, Ayo discovers her voice and courage to stand up for what she believes is right, all while navigating personal challenges and societal expectations.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to empowering stories about identity, activism, and resilience. It follows a young protagonist navigating the complexities of adolescence while standing up for her community's rights. With rich character development and a timely narrative, it offers both inspiration and insight, making it a compelling read for those interested in youth empowerment and social justice.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

She wants to get her first real kiss, have a boyfriend, and just be a normal teen.

When her mom is put into a coma after a riot breaks out between protesters and police, protestors want Ayo to become the face of See Us and fight for justice for her mother who can no longer fight for herself.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

“A love letter to Harlem and hope. I Rise is smart and funny and full of heart.”*

Fourteen-year-old Ayo has to decide whether to take on her mother’s activist role when her mother is shot by police. As she tries to find answers, Ayo looks to the wisdom of her ancestors and her Harlem community for guidance.

Ayo's mother founded the biggest civil rights movement to hit New York City in decades. It’s called ‘See Us’ and it tackles police brutality and racial profiling in Harlem. Ayo has spent her entire life being an activist and now, she wants out. She wants to get her first real kiss, have a boyfriend, and just be a normal teen.

When her mother is put into a coma after a riot breaks out between protesters and police, protesters want Ayo to become the face of See Us and fight for justice for her mother who can no longer fight for herself. While she deals with her grief and anger, Ayo must also discover if she has the strength to take over where her mother left off.

This impactful and unforgettable novel takes on the important issues of inequality, systemic racism, police violence, and social justice.

*Kwame Alexander, New York Times bestselling author

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

I Rise by Marie Arnold is praised for its poetic and powerful storytelling, serving as a love letter to Harlem and a poignant anthem for justice. The narrative is noted for its compassionate exploration of Ayo's struggles amidst an unjust system, capturing the complexities of a young Black experience in New York City. It intertwines Black history and culture, offering a richly developed story with a call to societal introspection on systemic racism. The novel’s vivid character portrayal is both intimate and a compelling invitation for social awareness and justice.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780358449041

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 01 September 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Versify

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 408g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Marie Arnold was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and came to America at the age of seven. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York alongside her extended family. Marie enjoys creating stories full of adventure and wonder that center on girls of color. When she's not writing, she's adding to her insanely long Netflix queue and trying not to order pizza. She lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the author of The Year I Flew Away and I Rise.

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