A Different Beat

by Candy Dawson Boyd

Studying acting at Oakland Performing Arts Middle School is a dream come true for Jessie--but that doesn't mean it's easy. Her schedule is jam-packed, so therie isn't much time for homework. But Jessie's got to keep up her grades, or it's back to regular middle school. How can she concentrate, though, when she's worried about confronting a prejudicial teacher? In and out of the classroom, Jessie is faced with tests--and she finds she has to rely on herself.

Genres: Childrens

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Sara (BookshelfSOS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some books that you can barely remember, but you know exactly where you were when you were reading them and they stuck in your mind. This is one of those for me! I read this as a child and loved it.

[Michael Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great book to read. the protagonist, Jessie Williams, got accepted into Oakland Performing Arts Middle School- a dream come true fore her. but, it's not easy. Her schedule is jam-packed with exciting classes and project and there isn't much time for her to get her homework done. She has to keep her grades up, or else she has to be shipped off to boring Milton Middle School.She also has to worry about hateful remarks to her from her former teacher, Mrs. Grant and her scene-stealing rival, Addie Mae. Jessie is facing a lot of tests. She can study for some, but for the rest, she will have to rely on herself.

This book taught me about the color spectrum of African-Americans and their struggle and it instilled in me the fact that everyone is different in their own way. I would reccomend this book to people who want to go in-depth into the African-American culture and anyone who is interested in theatrical-based literature.

[Auberella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I have two copies of it. Why? Simply put, this book made me read again. I found it during a time when it was not cool to read non-required books. Middle school was rough and this book got me through it all. The subject of colorism played its part wonderfully and introduced me to the color spectrum of African-Americans. I found myself wanted to write plays so Jessie could act in them. I began choreographing dances so Cooper could dance the steps and bring them alive. I wanted to play the clarinet so Maria, Julie, and I could be a band. I fell in love with these characters. I saw my own grandmother in Mamatoo and Cass was the big sister I never had.

Periodically, I re-read this book. Not many people know about it but it is my favorite.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I learned from this book is that everybody is different and you need to learn to accept that.

[Kathy]

Sequel to: Fall secrets.