This review contains affiliate links, which earn me a small commission when you click and purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my small business and allowing me to continue providing you a reliable resource for clean book ratings.
Jin and Alex, two Harlem girls, are unlikely friends but have to get along for their school project. Elvin is trying to survive alone on the cold streets of Harlem after his grandfather was attacked and hospitalized. A chance encounter with Elvin changes the dynamics of the relationship between Jin and Alex, as the three kids team up to solve a mysterious crime in their neighborhood.
The story is fast-paced and believable enough for the 10- to 14-year-old, to whom the story is targeted. As an adult, I wondered how the young protagonists could get away with so much in such a dangerous situation. Despite this minor reservation, the book was a good and fun read, void of vulgar language and mature content. I love Natasha Tarpley’s approach to the story, showcasing an authentic, vibrant community and a less advertised but important aspect of Harlem — its diverse and multicultural heritage.
This is a great escape book for an early teenager.
Rated: None. No objectionable or mature content.
Click here to purchase your copy of The Harlem Charade on Amazon.
