Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe is a thoughtful, compelling, and memoir-like coming of age story.

Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe

Genre/Categories/Setting: Contemporary “Own Voices” Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Friendship, Gang Life, Poverty, Family Life, Chicago Housing Projects, African American Women’s Fiction, Diverse Reads

My Summary:

Welcome to #ThrowBackThursday where I highlight an older review or post a current review of a backlist title. Today, I’m sharing compelling contemporary fiction, Last Summer on State Street Toya Wolfe

I’m linking up with Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for #ThrowbackThursday.

In 1999, twelve-year-old Fe Fe Stevens lives with her mother and older brother in the 4950 Building of Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes, and her high rise is next in line to be torn down by the Chicago Housing Authority. Fe Fe and her three friends attempt to stay away from the gangs and all the danger in their community by playing a lot of double dutch (jump rope), hiding from bullets, and avoiding crack addicts. They find safety at school, church, and with some of their mothers and trusted adult friends. As the girls begin to lose their childhood innocence, it becomes more difficult to avoid the realities of life and the girls begin going their separate ways.

Mothers/daughters, friendship, faith, honest questions asked, and harsh realities brought to light…

Continue here for my full review of Last Summer on State Street…

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QOTD:

Are you a fan of Own Voices stories?