Fiona Robertson of If You're Happy
...powerful, eye-opening, poignant, sometimes funny too. Jubilant despite everything.
2016) Desiree Cooper of Know the Mother (Wayne State University Press
The history of slavery and oppression is white history. The story of survival is black history. Through the lens of one black family's experience in America, Elster details racism's vicious assault on the black family, and how African Americans have triumphed regardless. Thank you, Jean Alicia Elster, for reminding us exactly how victory happens.
Kelly J. Baptist of Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero and the Electric Slide and Kai
A captivating and necessary story that navigates through a difficult part of American history in a way that people of all ages can understand and connect with. In sharing her family's story, Elster shares the story of so many of us.
Ruth Behar of Letters from Cuba
A beautiful and meticulously researched novel, How It Happens takes us into the world of three memorable young Black women, Addie, May, and Jean, each living in a different generation, each seeking to achieve freedom. Looking at racism straight in the eye, Jean Alicia Elster has written a powerful and timely story of resilience and hope. A must-read novel for all young adult readers.