During the month of February, I’d like to share some of the Black Books and their authors I have read and found inspiring . I’m starting with a book I have a personal connection to: Definitely Cool by Brenda Wilkinson. What’s my connection? The author is related to my late grandmother, Joan Parris. She was married to Joan’s nephew, thus we are connected.

Published in 1993, Definitely Cool is the story of Roxanne, a young Black girl who is beginning her first year of junior high school. Roxanne does her best to fit in with a new crowd, while trying to following all of her mother’s rules and still befriend Rolland, one of her childhood friends. Roxanne’s new friends only seem interested in chasing boys and acting cool, and she feels pressured to keep up with them. For example, should she behave and go to class, or skip school and hang out with the other girls and go to a party? There are also themes of single parenthood, race and economic struggles. It was the first book I read as a young girl that I could actually identify with. Plus, looking back at it now, I appreciate the 90’s vibe and culture in the story.

I really enjoyed this story. It’s an easy read with likeable characters. If you’re looking for a nostalgic literary trip to the trials of junior high in the Bronx, you may want to give this one a read.