50 pages • 1 hour read
American Street
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Detroit, Michigan • 2010s
2017
YA
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
American Street follows Fabiola, a teenage Haitian immigrant, who moves to Detroit to live with her cousins after her mother is detained by immigration authorities. Fabiola struggles to adjust to American culture, forms close bonds with her family, and falls in love, only to face difficult choices and harsh realities as she tries to secure her mother’s release. The book deals with issues including detention, drug-related violence, and the death of a young person.
Challenging
Emotional
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
22,762 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ibi Zoboi's American Street is lauded for its rich, evocative storytelling and authentic portrayal of a Haitian immigrant's experience in Detroit. Reviewers praise its heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience but note occasional pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it's heralded as a poignant, thought-provoking debut that resonates deeply with readers.
Who Should Read American Street?
Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with rich cultural contexts and complex family dynamics, similar to those in The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, will be captivated by Ibi Zoboi's American Street. This novel appeals to fans of immigrant narratives, social justice themes, and diverse voices.
22,762 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Detroit, Michigan • 2010s
2017
YA
14-18 years
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