Pieces of Why

Gr 5–7—Tia lives with her hardworking, protective, and reserved mother in New Orleans. Her mother refuses to talk to the 12-year-old about her incarcerated father and can't see that her silence is painful. Tia takes solace in her belief that she can and will change the world with her voice; she loves singing with her best friend, Keisha, in the Rainbow Choir. A drive-by shooting that leaves a baby dead, however, reignites rumors about Tia's dad and why he'll never be released from prison. Tia loses her voice until she finds out the truth and learns to forgive. Tia's struggle is dramatically narrated by Azure Parsons, who ably voices the thoughtful adolescent girl. Growing up is never easy, but Tia's story is complicated by murder and violence, a silent mother, and the need to accept things that can't be changed. The quiet narration and steady pacing bring a difficult story into focus and to a satisfying conclusion. An author's note is included at the end of this purposeful, affecting novel.