Hattie Mae begins again

In her follow-up to 2023's Once in a Blue Moon, Flake delivers a layered, authentic, and inspirational story. Under the guise of being unrelated to the headmistress of Miss Abigail's School for Exceptional Young Ladies, 11-year-old Hattie Mae must adjust to life in Philadelphia as she leaves behind her home in North Carolina to attend her cousin's private school. Set in 1938 and inspired by the Great Migration, this novel in verse deftly explores classism as headstrong Hattie finds herself crumbling under the cruelty of the wealthy students, especially Lisa. Hattie is able to dispel homesickness by making friends with neighborhood kids who have upbringings akin to her own. When the school's funding comes under fire, it's Hattie's ingenuity and spirit that bring the students and neighborhood together to save it. Flake's craft is on display as curated details immerse readers in the school and the neighborhood and highlight Hattie's internal struggles. The author's note shares Flake's affection for Philadelphia, born of her research and family history.

In 1938, a girl from North Carolina struggles to fit in at her new Philadelphia boarding school. Twelve-year-old Hattie Mae Jenkins, whom readers first met inOnce in a Blue Moon (2023), has just entered Miss Abigail's School for Exceptional Young Ladies. Miss Abigail is Ma's cousin, but Hattie is supposed to keep their relationship secret to avoid any appearance of favoritism. Many of the other girls are from elite African American families, and some decide that country girls like her don't belong there. Fortunately, Hattie has a welcoming roommate, and she makes a new friend in Alabaster, a neighborhood boy who reminds her of home. Despite feeling intimidated, the spirited Hattie studies hard and avoids sharing her problems--but issues escalate between her and wealthy, entitled classmate Lisa, who "gets away with murder." Hattie finds herself embroiled in a conflict that she dare not share with Cousin Abigail until it's too late. As the school's very existence becomes threatened, Hattie's resilience and resourcefulness save the day and even expand Miss Abigail's vision. Flake's extensive research wonderfully captures the experience of African Americans in Philadelphia during the era of the Great Migration. She doesn't shy away from portraying tensions within the community between newcomers and those with deep local roots. The lively writing and strong character development enhance the story and provide readers with age-appropriate insights. A compelling coming-of-age story enriched by its historical texture. (author's note, sources)(Verse historical fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.