Being Amani
Written by Annabelle Steele
Published by Carolrhoda Lab
A thoughtful coming-of-age story about a girl navigating family, relationships, and self-image.
After leaving Amani’s abusive father, Amani and her mother have adjusted to life in a new city. They live with Amani’s loving grandfather, and Amani has made new friends and is dating for the first time. But when her father reinserts himself into her life, asking her to be a bridesmaid in his upcoming wedding, Amani’s equilibrium is shattered. Has her father really changed, as he claims? How will this affect her mom, who’s struggling with depression? And is Amani’s own romantic relationship starting to echo the problems she saw with her parents?
To avoid repeating those patterns, Amani will have to confront her unhealed wounds.
Primary ISBN: 9798348041694
Publication Date: October 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Young Adult, Age 14 or older
Community Represented: Jamaican/Jamaican American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Coming of Age, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Generation: 2nd, Life Event: Divorce, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Physical Assault, Trauma & Recovery: Substance Use
Setting: England (Manchester)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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