Finding Perfection at a Cost: I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang
Ann Liang’s I Am Not Jessica Chen is a powerful and thought-provoking young adult novel, releasing on January 28, 2025. In this captivating speculative fiction, seventeen-year-old Jesse Chen faces the heartbreaking reality of being rejected from every Ivy League school, feeling she’s failed to meet her Asian immigrant parents’ expectations. Caught in a whirlwind of self-doubt, Jesse wishes she could be as perfect as her cousin, Jessica Chen. The next morning, she wakes up in Jessica’s body, gaining access to Jessica’s seemingly flawless life at the prestigious Havenwood Private Academy.
But as Jesse navigates Jessica’s world of success, secrets, and hidden pressures, she begins to lose herself in the process. What starts as a wish to become someone else soon spirals into a dangerous obsession with perfection. The more Jesse tries to emulate Jessica’s life, the harder it becomes to retain her true identity.
I Am Not Jessica Chen explores themes of identity, self-worth, and the harsh pressure to meet societal and familial expectations. As Jesse faces the consequences of becoming someone she’s not, readers are taken on an emotional journey that asks the question: What price are we willing to pay to be perfect? Liang’s heartfelt exploration of the internal struggles faced by young adults caught between two worlds is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt torn between who they are and who others want them to be.
Poetry as a Catalyst for Reflection: Poemhood: Our Black Revival
The release of Poemhood: Our Black Revival on January 28, 2025, offers readers an anthology of profound, diverse voices that capture the beauty, struggle, and resilience of the Black experience. Edited by Amber McBride, Taylor Byas, and Erica Martin, this young adult poetry collection features thirty-seven poets, including literary giants like Kwame Alexander, Ibi Zoboi, and Nikki Giovanni. The anthology explores what it means to be Black in America, weaving together history, folklore, and personal stories of strength and survival.
Through poetry, Poemhood touches on the transformative power of self-love, the weight of historical trauma, and the ongoing fight against systemic injustice. It reflects both sorrow and joy, offering a deeply emotional exploration of Black heritage, faith, and the complexities of identity. From the wisdom of ancestral stories to the sweetness of family traditions, this anthology captures the fullness of Black life, presenting a vibrant conversation that links the past to the present.
A powerful testament to the power of poetry, Poemhood invites young adult readers to explore their heritage, embrace their identities, and connect with the shared experiences of their community. With its blend of history, personal reflection, and literary excellence, this anthology is an essential addition to any reader’s collection.
Diving Into History: Written in the Waters by Tara Roberts
On January 28, 2025, Tara Roberts’ memoir, Written in the Waters, will be released, offering a compelling narrative that intertwines history, identity, and personal exploration. Roberts, a National Geographic explorer, takes readers on a journey through the tragic history of the transatlantic slave trade, uncovering the submerged remains of slave ships in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This powerful nonfiction work explores not only the history of the Middle Passage but also Roberts’ personal quest to understand her own Black heritage and family history.
The memoir, which blends historical exploration with personal reflection, traces Roberts’ journey to uncover the stories of those lost to the horrors of the slave trade. Along the way, she joins the organization Diving With a Purpose, working to preserve the history of the African diaspora and reconnect with the powerful legacies of those who endured unimaginable hardship.
Written in the Waters is a poignant meditation on the global legacy of slavery and the ways in which history shapes identity. Roberts’ unflinching examination of the past invites readers to consider their own place in the world, challenging them to think deeply about belonging, family, and ancestral memory. This memoir is a necessary read for those interested in the intersection of history, exploration, and personal growth, offering both an educational and emotional experience that will resonate long after the final page.
