Yolonda's Genius

Yolonda's Genius is a Newbery Honor[1] book written by Carol Fenner and published in 1995. It was also a Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee in 1998.[2]

Yolonda's Genius
First edition
AuthorCarol Fenner
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
GenreChildren's literature
PublisherAladdin Paperbacks
Publication date
1995
Media typePrint
Pages211 pp
ISBN0689821727
OCLC704446749

Plot

The book begins with the main character Yolonda and her family living in Chicago. She is big and tough for her age, which makes it easy for her to look after her little brother Andrew.[3] The prevalence of drugs in the city result in Andrew coming home one day with a pocket full of cocaine. This drives their mother to move the family to a new town in Grand River, Michigan. Yolonda adjusts well in school while Andrew ends up struggling. However, despite their academic differences, Yolonda is convinced that Andrew is a true musical genius. No one believes her claims though so she plans to prove all the naysayers wrong. So while they visit their Aunt Tiny back in Chicago, Yolonda sneaks Andrew onstage a Blues Concert where he finally shows his talent.[4]

Critical reception

Publisher's Weekly says that this "heartwarming story merits acclaim for its fresh premise and forceful characterizations."[5] Horn Book Magazine says that the novel is "suffused with humor and spirit"[6]

References
  1. Newbery Medal and Honor Books, 1922-Present. Association for Library Service to Children. Accessed on June 29, 2010.
  2. "Caudill Cumulative List" (PDF). Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  3. "Yolonda's Genius". Goodreads. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  4. "Yolonda's Genius Summary and Study Guide". www.BookRags.com. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  5. "Children's Book Review: Yolonda's Genius by Carol Fenner". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  6. N.V. "Yolonda's Genius." Horn Book Magazine 71.5 (1995): 598. Academic Search Complete. Web. 21 Jan. 2016.
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