A review by askoda
American Street by Ibi Zoboi

5.0

Vibrant yet menacing, Zoboi laces her novel with grit and prose. Her words haunted me as she harnessed so many of the hard conversations families either avoid (due to privilege) or are forced to have (to keep their babies alive).

The way she placed Fabiola on the cross streets of American and Joy road really spoke to me. Can these two things exist? Can these two ideals collide in the war zone that is our divided nation? Is there really joy waiting on the other side of these walls so many immigrants cross for the American life?

Zoboi highlights the depths of teenage exploration of life, love, and heartbreak. And in between the volatile and often confusing moment of these teens lives, she adds another element in- the Iwas. She dabs a spiritual note throughout her story. A reminder that our ancestors are still watching us, and are ready to guide us through our trials and tribulations.