LITMIR.BIZ

      Dafina Books for Young Readers

       KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.

       http://www.kensingtonbooks.com

      To my publicist at Kensington, Adeola Saul, for having

       faith in the series and for being an enthusiastic passenger

       on this journey. From the beginning you’ve been a

       consistent cheerleader. Thank you for your continued

       support.

      To Walter, Steven, John, Laurie, Magee, Jessica, Lydia,

       Barbara, David, Darla, Helen, Selena, and the rest of the

       folks at Kensington Publishing Corp.: Thank you for being

       flexible and patient always. To my former publicists,

       Christal Jordan-Mims in Atlanta and Parthenia Bozeman

       in Los Angeles, for backing the series from the start.

      And to my agent, Brendan Deneen: Thank you for helping to make my dreams a reality and for courting Jayd like a true gentleman.

      Contents

      The Crew

      Prologue

      1. Above The Rim

      2. Hot Head

      3. Waiting

      4. Foul Play

      5. From The Sidelines

      6. The Rebound

      7. Hoodrats Wear Prada

      8. Down To The Root

      9. Let It Burn

      10. Hot Air

      11. Great Expectations

      12. Ballin’

      13. Who’s Got Next?

      14. One On One

      Epilogue

      A Reading Group Guide

      Discussion Questions

      THE CREW

      Jayd

      A sassy sixteen-year-old from Compton, California, who comes from a long line of Louisiana conjure women. She is the only one in her lineage born with brown eyes and a caul. Her grandmother appropriately named her “Jayd,” which is also the name her grandmother took on in her days as a Voodoo queen in New Orleans. She lives with her grandparents, four uncles, and her cousin Jay. Jayd is in all AP classes and visits her mother on the weekend. She has a tense relationship with her father, whom she sees occasionally, and has never-ending drama in her life, whether at school or home.

      Mama/Lynn Mae

      When Jayd gets in over her head, her grandmother, Mama, is always there to help her. A full-time conjure woman with magical green eyes and a long list of both clients and haters, Mama also serves as Jayd’s teacher, confidante, and protector.

      Mom/Lynn Marie

      At thirty-something years old, Lynn Marie would never be mistaken for a mother of a teenager. But Jayd’s mom is definitely all that and with her green eyes, she keeps the men guessing. Able to talk to Jayd telepathically, Lynn Marie is always there when Jayd needs her.

      Esmeralda

      Mama’s nemesis and Jayd’s nightmare, this next-door neighbor is anything but friendly. She relocated to Compton from Louisiana around the same time Mama did and has been a thorn in Mama’s side ever since. She continuously causes trouble for Mama and Jayd, interfering with Jayd’s school life through Misty, Mrs. Bennett, and Jeremy’s mom. Esmeralda’s cold blue eyes have powers of their own, although not nearly as powerful as Mama’s.

      Rah

      Rah is Jayd’s first love from Junior High school who has come back into her life when a mutual friend, Nigel, transfers from Rah’s high school (Westingle) to South Bay. He knows everything about her and is her spiritual confidant. Rah lives in Los Angeles but grew up with his grandparents in Compton like Jayd. He loves Jayd fiercely but has a girlfriend that refuses to go away (Trish) and a baby-mama (Sandy). Rah is a hustler by necessity and a music producer by talent. He takes care of his younger brother Kamal and holds the house down while his dad is locked up and his mother strips at a local club.

      Misty

      The word “frenemies” was coined for this former best friend of Jayd’s. Misty has made it her mission to sabotage Jayd any way she can. Living around the corner from Jayd, she has the unique advantage of being an original hater from the neighborhood and at school.

      KJ

      He’s the most popular basketball player on campus, Jayd’s ex-boyfriend, and Misty’s current boyfriend. Ever since he and Jayd broke up, he’s made it his personal mission to persecute her.

      Nellie

      One of Jayd’s best friends, Nellie is the prissy princess of the crew. She is also dating Chance, even though it’s Nigel she’s really feeling. Nellie made history at South Bay by becoming the first Black Homecoming princess and has let the crown go to her head.

      Mickey

      The gangster girl of Jayd’s small crew. She and Nellie are best friends but often at odds with each other, mostly because Nellie secretly wishes she could be more like Mickey. A true hood girl, she loves being from Compton and her man with no name is a true gangster.

      Jeremy

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