WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: The #MeToo movement has given new voice to women's issues, particularly all forms of abuse. Nell's coming of age demonstrates how a young woman can achieve independence in the face of abuse.

HISTORY FROM A BLACK FEMALE PERSPECTIVE: History stories are too often told from a white male lens. In current society, there is great interest in hearing black women's voices share historical stories.

PERFECT FOR BOOK CLUBS AND COLLEGE LITERARY CLASSES:'s subject matter and message make it ideal discussion material in the classroom and in book club discussions.