Belle and the Beau
Grade 8 Up-In Jenkins's first young adult romance novel, Belle Palmer escapes from slavery in antebellum Kentucky and finds freedom in Michigan with the help of an abolitionist family. A former slave herself, Mrs. Best helps the reticent 16-year-old blossom into a confident young woman, while Mr. Best is the model of a man dedicated to family. Belle is soon drawn to Daniel Best, 18, who has an "intended," albeit a haughty one. With the passage of time, Belle learns to navigate her new way of life, and Daniel learns important lessons about when to let go and when to follow one's heart. Primary and secondary characters are well drawn. The novel is heavily punctuated with facts about African-American history, and, true to the genre, a happy ending follows the bittersweet story. This empowering tale is a great starting point for readers new to romances, but fans of the genre will not be disappointed.Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.