Spellbound

Sixteen-year-old Raven was always "the smart girl," her nose in a book and a promising future, despite the fact that she was raised in poverty by her uneducated single mother. But when Raven goes to a party one night and meets a boy she can't say "no" to, she gives in to his charismatic ways and she's left with a baby. Suddenly high school is no longer bearable and her college plans have vanished into the night. Raven becomes just another girl from the projects sitting alone in the apartment, watching daytime television. Raven's best friend Aisha seems to fit into her life better than Raven does; Ai was never really good at school, so as long as she has her friends and doesn't have to set foot in another school, she's happy. Raven wants more than hanging out all day --- she wants to make a secure, good life for her son Smokey --- but she can't find where to begin. She tries to find a job, but her lack of a high school diploma means she can only find work in a fast food shop. Raven can't see a way forward until her ambitious sister Dell arrives with a flyer about a new program called Spell Success. Spell Success offers college prep and scholarships to lower-income students. Potential participants are selected through a spelling bee. This sounds impossible for Raven, whose spelling has never been great. Dell supports her, though, and helps her practice and study, even as Ai does nothing but give Raven grief. I really loved Janet McDonald's story of someone who seems to have very little in her favor but who is willing to work hard for success. The writing is at times funny, poignant and always effecting. McDonald knows the world about which she writes; she grew up in a housing project then went to three highly selective universities after she finished high school. By using her own journey to inform her novel, McDonald can tell Raven's story without ever becoming preachy or flinching from the harsher realities of life in a low income community. I hope she continues to write. SPELLBOUND is a must-read! --- Reviewed by Cassia Van Arsdale

Thursday, June 12, 2003I bought this novel about a year and completed it within a matter of hours. Just yesterday, history repeated itself and I don't regret it. Spellbound by Janet McDonald entices you with Raven's endeavor to enrich herself both academically and personally. It saddened me when the book had to end.

...This is the story of Raven Jefferson, a bright 16-year-old girl who lives in a Brooklyn housing project. Raven has always been determined to move out of the projects and go to college like her older sister Dell, but her goal is put on hold when she becomes pregnant and drops out of high school to have the baby. After the birth of her son, Raven spends her days at home with occasional visits from her best friend, Aisha, another high school dropout and single mother. Raven starts to lose hope that she will ever leave the projects but then she learns of a spelling bee with a grand prize of a college scholarship. She spends all of her waking hours preparing for the bee and eventually realizes her dream because of her hard work. This is a classic story of a young woman who has a goal and doesn't let a few bumps along the way stop her from achieving it. Raven's ability to defy the odds is inspirational. The plot is a bit weak, but the laugh-out-loud funny moments make it a worthwhile read. McDonald should be congratulated for brilliantly capturing the voices of two young women from the Brooklyn projects. Spellbound is geared towards the 11-and 12-year-old crowd, but anyone can enjoy this quick read...

Raven Jefferson is a very bright sixteen year old high school student, who lives in the projects with her mom. Her mom just knew Raven would make something of herself and get out of the projects. But one night at a party Raven meets Jesse and her whole life changes.Raven becomes pregnant and gives birth to her son, Smokey. She drops out of high school and goes on public assistance. Raven and her best friend Aisha, who is also a teen mom and high school dropout, have been friends since elementary school and have a lot in common including both being teen moms. The main difference is Aisha is comfortable with her situation and Raven wants something better for herself.Raven's older sister, Dell made it out of the projects and graduated from a 2 year college and has a job at a law firm working as a paralegal. Dell hates to see her sister in the predicament she is in and wants to do everything she can to help Raven change her life around.Dell hears about this program called Spell Success, it's a spelling bee and the winner attends a college prep class as well as gets a scholarship to a 4 year college. Dell thinks this is Raven's ticket out of the ghetto.......but Raven's not so sure, afterall spelling was her worst subject in school.Spellbound is a lighthearted yet humorous book that looks into life as a teen mom in the projects. Spotlighting on ambition, motherhood, friendship, heartbreak and the need to succeed. Spellbound is a book that looks at real life situations. This was an enjoyable read and I am looking to read more of the author's books.Reviewed by Eraina B. Tinnin

This is a story about a poor young woman who drops out of high school after she has a baby, but then refuses to give up on the possibility of making something more of her life. Although this subject matter may sound heavy, the novel is a pretty light read and is funny and touching. The characters and dialogue are incredibly well done, and seem quite real. I think most teens and pre-teens would enjoy this novel, and many adults as well. My only complaint with the story is that it is a little predictable, but I enjoyed it enough that I was willing to forgive it for that.