Sister Mischief

The novel is notable for the uncommon credit for critical thought it gives its characters, and their ruminations on hip-hop history, sexism, and social alliances are inspiring… A nontraditional approach to an uncommon subject, SISTER MISCHIEF sets the lesbian coming-of-age narrative within a markedly positive hip-hop culture of the characters’ own creation.—School Library Journal (starred review)Overall this debut is full of big ideas, big heart, and big poetry, with a positive, activistmessage.—Booklist (starred review)Welcome to the Queer Hip-Hop Revolution, young-adult-style. Transgressive Y.A. novels are all the rage-all the cool kids are reading them. Thus, continuing my desperate, life-long mission to sit at the popular table, I am too. Being a huge supporter of grrrl rockers, I fell hard for Laura Goode's SISTER MISCHIEF.—Vanity FairAn irreverent, in-your-face book that deals with sexuality and cultural bias with a big dose of humor interspersed….When the girls defy the school administration to form a gay/straight alliance, they learn what protest is all about. School pranks, gossip, college selection, first love, and bullying are interwoven into this unique novel.—Library Media ConnectionThe girls have an encyclopedic knowledge and deep love of hip-hop, and Esme's emotionally charged rhymes flow freely. If ever a book needed a soundtrack—or a beatbox—this is it.—Publishers WeeklySnappy dialogue, likable characters and an original concept.—Kirkus ReviewsAn odd yet appealing combination of programmatic and subversive, this eminently discussable debut novel captures the vibrancy and messiness of teen life.—Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksSnappy banter that can be pretty darn funny. In the end, Esme's story demonstrates to her friends, to the reader and, most importantly, to herself that despite her tough-girl persona, she can love-and live-passionately, openly and well.—BookpageEsme's story demonstrates to her friends, to the reader and, most importantly, to herself that despite her tough-girl persona, she can love-and live-passionately, openly and well.—Reading Corner (BookPage e-newsletter)It's not that life is harder when you're a teenager, but the hard stuff is new and peculiar to you, and your options for for dealing with it are limited. It's true that it gets better, but there's also a certain kind of magic that can only happen when things aren't so great. Sister Mischief can teach you how to cast some of those spells.—The Figment Review