Books with author Deborah Chocolate

Review From Publishers WeeklyNEATE is an acronym for Naimah, Elizabeth, Anthony, Tayesha and Eddie--African American friends who, in this first book of a series, campaign for the reelection of Naimah's mother to the city council. It's a bitter struggle between the respected woman and her white male opponent, an unabashed racist who advocates the re-zoning of community districts to quash African American voting power. Naimah and her pals, realizing that every vote counts, fervently urge their adult neighbors to cast their ballots. They also stage an exuberant rally for children, encouraging them to join this important cause. Chocolate's timely story dramatizes the electoral process, unfair political tactics and blatant prejudice, and should strike a responsive chord among socially aware youngsters. The novel's contemplative tone (though a bit at odds with the sprightly cover artwork) renders it a cut above the typical mass-market YA offering. Ages 10-up.

Jumaani thinks he's heard a yam talk, and now he's off to the village to tell the chief in this delightful Ashanti legend. The Legends of the World opens readers' minds to the diverse cultures of Native America, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Americas through enchanting tales passed down through countless generations. Each book in the series features geographical, historical, and cultural information. Illustrated in full color.

Review from School Library Journal-NEATE is a club of African American middle schoolers. In this second series entry, eighth grader Elizabeth is preparing to enter a citywide music competition. There are enough plot elements here to make several books. The contest gets top billing, but other members of NEATE create barely connected threads. A biracial girl deals with prejudice from whites and blacks while another of the adolescents is concerned about a Vietnamese refugee shelter facing closure. There is a father/son conflict, a rap v. heavy-metal debate, and more. There is not enough room in such a slim volume to develop so many stories in sufficient depth. On the positive side, the NEATE members do exhibit a degree of individuality beyond what might be expected of series' characters. The dialogue is natural, with lots of rap quotations, and while the plot resolutions are rather pat, they are emotionally satisfying.