Emako Blue

• Genre: Fiction; young adult realistic
• Originally Published: 2005
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 600L; grades 7-12
• Structure/Length: 27 chapters; approximately 128 pages
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The central conflict revolves around Emako Blue, a high school student in Los Angeles. Emako Blue faces the challenges of growing up in an unsafe neighborhood while trying to achieve her dreams of becoming a singer until her tragic death results from random gun violence. The story is told in flashbacks by several peers who knew Emako; it is set in a contemporary urban environment and explores friendship, dreams, and the impact of choices.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Gun violence; death, including murder of a young teen/central character; profanity; scenes related to urban life, including gangs and difficult socioeconomic conditions; use of a racist slur; anti-trans observations and comments

Brenda Woods, Author

• Bio: Born 1965; known for writing about the experiences of African American youth; focused on creating authentic and relatable characters; received several awards for her books; passionate about promoting diversity in children's literature; active in supporting literacy programs; published works have been praised for their compelling storytelling and realistic portrayals
• Other Works: The Red Rose Box (1993); My Name is Sally Little Song (2000); The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond (2014)
• Awards: ALA Quick Pick Top Ten Title (2005); New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age (2005); IRA Best Young Adult Novel Award (2005)