Cracker

by Jacci Turner

Ann is facing her share of challenges at a new high school. The beautiful Imani wants to be her friend, but Ann has tried to be friends with black girls before and knows it won’t work out. When a handsome bully takes an instant dislike to Ann, she gets help from an unexpected source—a friend with secrets of his own. Join Ann on a journey of self-discovery in this alternative history where everything is turned upside down and Ann must decide if she is ready to take a stand against injustice.

Genres: Young Adult

180 pages, Paperback

First published August 10, 2015

About the author

Tumbled People: Deconstructing and Reconstructing your faith is selling well. If you're going through a time of faith discouragement, for instance leaving the evangelical world because of their alignment with power and privilege, instead of the poor and marginalized. You might find solace and hope in this book.

Reviews

[L.N. Denison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking Alternate History!

Imagine a scenario where the fortunes of black and white were reversed. Cracker focuses on the prejudices raised by the white minority groups and how one girl tried to changed the tide.

This book is both thought provoking and heart breaking...but also, very well written. You feel for Ann and the struggles she faces everyday, being a minority. As the story goes on you can see the boundaries being pushed , and is what makes this story hit home.

I found everything about the story was tackled well...tactfully. I felt very invested in the characters, some more than others. I couldn't invest myself in the bullies.

This is a read that I highly recommend...and it deserves every one of the 5 stars I have given it.

[Leen · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning of the kindle book there is a book description and I noticed that there were some minor flaws: ‘but it is true?’ > ‘but- is it - true?’ and ‘except’ > ‘accept’(?). When I saw the cover of the book and read about ‘world upside down’ and saw the image (“literally” upside down), I expected another kind of story, I must admit, and maybe I would have liked another title or maybe the title having mentioned a bit more :p and I wouldn't have added these questions in the end (it comes over as too "schooly" and that would be certainly interesting - for it can be useful to think about and discuss in class, but here for me personally, I found that less suitable). Nevertheless, I was in fact pleasantly surprised to discover interesting - vital and universal - themes in this book of which I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review via a Goodreads Forum - reviewing 2 Novellas :D. The story is ideal for teenagers as it takes place in their daily environment; at school. This is not the first story about a new student at school who is being bullied, but the author lets this story take place in a 'kind of' alternative (“figurally” upside down - which is through this original/unusual and refreshing) world. In this specific society, the white people are the minority. They are bullied and treated differently because of their different/white skin. Alas, discrimination is something of all times and all places, whether it is for the sake of race, religion, skin color, weight, gender, looks, illness, age, or other differences among us - humans. So you can definitely compare it with people with dark skin color who were/are often treated differently, but then, that specific and totally unfair society (as this has nothing to do with good or bad values and norms who could let us tolerate each other’s differences) entirely upside down. I immediately must admit, of course, that I also know neighborhoods, streets, regions and schools/classes where the white human being is in the minority as we speak/write ;-) and there already is/exists such (upside down) discrimination as well - we do not have to be naive about that either(!) It’s a novella so of course shorter than a normal novel to be able to go into detail with everything, but it does not necessarily have to be longer to empathize with the main characters and to convey the message to the reader, but it could have been worked out even better here and there, I kind of felt. You feel the injustice that is done to Ann (a white girl) and Jim (a white boy who understands the fact that it is even more difficult for a white girl/young woman to survive as a minority in this world), but also the bravery with which they stay upright in the school environment that often looks like a war zone - as they do not feel safe at all and have to protect each other. But, “there will always be hope” everywhere and every time... as there will always be people like Imani (a black girl who has been brought up abroad in a place where humans were treated more as equals and who has experienced all can live together as one), or like Kayode (a black boy for whom the skin color doesn’t matter at all, someone who lets his heart and goodness speak and is - in fact - open to change), or people in general who will struggle for ‘all humans to be treated humanely’. I’m an author myself, and I’m fond of (writing/reading fiction and non-fiction) books that hand the right values and norms to people, and especially can give young people food for thought (and a goal) in (while) living together - as ‘our children’ definitely are and will determine ‘our future’. Ideal to broaden their often still narrow view of the world. This is a book that puts a universal theme in the spotlight. Our world would be so much better if everyone could live together in peace and respect with each other, regardless of all possible differences - if only we would focus on our similarities. Alas, it is something that we have had to fight for in the past, and we struggle for now, and we will have to keep fighting for in the future... And sometimes, I guess that the only way to spread this message of equality, to get all human beings on the same side and to bring/keep change, is to make them ‘feel’ what it is to be a ‘minority’, or ‘victim of any discrimination you can think of’ - like another skin color, another gender, not possessing the right brand of clothes or not having the most expensive toys or the newest smartphone in class, etcetera - themselves. Think about your prejudices to other people (& e.g. “think” about Why you think that way in the first place!) and learn to empathize with others ;-). Just try to see it from another/their point of view as well. And what you do not want to undergo yourself, you do not do to someone else... it’s really that simple, I can tell. It’s just all about making humans more human; something that should be obvious... and it takes you, yes YOU... it’s truly up to you to start making a difference. People, who say that there are no problems left in our current society, prefer to be blind, because that is so much easier, isn’t it? But to be truly able to open your heart, just open your eyes!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
This alternate history tale, where whites are in the minority, brings to life some of the issues of discrimination and social injustice experienced by minorities every day. It is a unique view of a world turned on its head, smoothly written and an easy read. Themes of bullying and interracial teen love provide a thought-provoking backdrop. The ending was a bit abrupt and I would have liked more emotional depth in the main characters, maybe a bit more story complexity. Overall, a fun and entertaining read.

[L.F. Falconer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where might society be today if history had taken a right turn instead of a left? At the core of this entertaining story lies a difficult social issue. I admit, it was often hard for me to keep myself oriented within this alternative world and the reversed stereotypes presented within these pages. Perhaps if the author had delved a little deeper into the events which twisted history as we know it into the world in which Ann lives, I might have been more easily grounded. But what wasn't hard was to grasp the racial tension and bigotry the author conveyed.

What is privilege? Because I am white, do I have it? As a woman, I have experienced certain gender inequalities. I have borne the social stigma that comes with poverty. I have endured the barbs of bullies and have known the pain of social isolation. And at times, in certain work situations I have felt acutely aware of my minority status when I was the only white person in the room. But do I really have privilege, just because I was born Caucasian? Or are our situations determined more by socio-economic factors and personal life choices? These are some of the questions easily raised for discussion within this book, geared for young readers, but worthwhile for adults to read as well.

Despite the great strides already made, I doubt that the issue of racism will disappear in my lifetime. But I applaud Ms. Turner for writing about this stain on our society in such a way that might contribute to more open and civil discourse on the subject. As with anything, communication is vital for change, and this book is a step in the right direction.

[Steve Pillinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a totally delightful book. I was hooked immediately, drawn in by the warmly-drawn characters and the fascinating alternative history setup, with blacks as the dominant racial group in the States and whites the underprivileged minority.

The plot was compulsively page-turning as Ann struggles to find her feet in a new school, battling for acceptance among her fellow-whites and for courage to stand up against the belittling attitudes of the black majority. She finds support and acceptance in unexpected places, including a white boy from a Jewish ghetto and a black girl from England who grew up without the superiority complex of her American counterparts.

This book tackles ignorance and prejudice head-on in whatever form they manifest themselves; and the reversed social context in which they are described contributes enormously to their impact.

But simply as a work of fiction, I think above all it was the warmth and sympathy with which the characters are portrayed that riveted me page after page. You came to know and love them, and to care about what happened to them. You laughed when they laughed and wept when they wept. It was no surprise to discover in the info at the end that the author is a Christian, and has also been a therapist and school counselor. She clearly knows what she's writing about.

How would I rate this book? Well, to paraphrase the parrot in the old Aladdin movie: "On a scale of one to five, this is a six!"

[Chris Stoesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides food for thought

The author has created a compelling work of fiction well rooted in our modern society. Given the current racial climate in the US, this is an interesting book that inverts the situation in an attempt to have the reader view things from the other side. I would say that the attempt is mostly successful. While I am not convinced that things are as bad today as the book describes it is thought provoking and I am glad I read it.

[Sanna Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might think a book focused on discrimination would be dense, difficult reading. I know I did until I found the author’s deft style neatly balancing outrage with hope to create a highly readable, intriguing picture of an alternate America.

After disease decimates the white population, the country’s black population thrives. Whites, called “crackers”, have little access to opportunity or income. They serve the majority, trying hard to copy their appearance with perms and tans while affecting an illiterate patois designed to reduce the perception of them as threats.

We see both overt and subtle discrimination through the eyes of Ann Smith, who arrives at her new high school unsure of what awaits her there. She’s funneled into the whites-only lunch table, where she meets Jim, a boy who’s also gay and Jewish. Humor is his technique for defusing hostility. He offers to use his abilities to shield Ann, an offer she accepts after she’s physically threatened. But when Jim admits he’s in love with a black boy, Ann fears for him—with good reason. Jim’s life is in mortal danger.

Subtle discrimination emerges in many ways. As Ann and her only female friend, Imani, search fashion magazines for new hairstyles and makeup, there are none designed for Ann. Imani’s cosmetics aren’t suited to Ann’s coloring, and Ann must buy shampoo in the “ethnic” section of the store (next to pet food). Such small things add up to an undercurrent of frustration whites feel they must endure.

Ann decides to oppose the status quo. She pursues a relationship with a popular, black boy, leading to confrontations with both males and females at her school. She also explores religions (Quakerism, Judaism) and economic activism. We don’t know if her actions will ultimately effect widespread change, but she takes a courageous stance and inspires others. Bravo!

[Ono · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Cracker is an interesting take on an alternate world in which the tables are turned and in the U.S., African Americans are dominant and Whites are minorities. Turner creates an alternate world complete with its own history to explain how the demographics are what they are. The story revolves around Ann, a white high school girl, who must navigate the challenges of being a minority. Her life intersects with different people in ways that challenge her and also strengthen her. Ultimately, the message of the novel is hopeful and uplifting.

I imagine a book like this would be very difficult to write since no one single perspective would satisfy all potential audiences. I thought the treatment of racial issues was heavy-handed. From the way it’s written, I think it’s directed for and suited to a particular audience—young adults, who might never have considered the aggregate of subtle things that significantly impact people of different demographic groups. There are discussion questions at the end and some suggestions for reading on racial issues. This is a book worth reading.

[David Belisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Cracker,” Turner takes the black-white race issue and makes it white-black. Literally. The reader is thus thrown into a bizarre reality where norms and standards, dreams and expectations trade places, foisted on the other side of the tracks, fence, dime store counter et al. It makes for a chilling, desperate tale that comes across sometimes as other-worldly. The tale plays out for Ann, a white student trying to fit in at her new high school, with the gamut of relationships she will face … with the reader staring hard, often blinking in disbelief with the shoe now on the other foot.

Turner has valiantly approached this project as an in-class learning experience with questions and discussion topics at the end of the book. I’d like to see this turned into a graphic novel as I think it may be even more powerful / popular with the skin colour paradox thrust front row center. I often found myself pausing to reread to confirm which character was what colour. In her defense, Turner spreads a liberal dose of skin tone ‘reminders’ as to the character’s stake in this racial conflict. Her story-telling prowess checks all the boxes. Sharp, fleshed-out characters, straight-ahead dialogue and intriguing plot twists bringing this powerful piece to a satisfying, logical conclusion. It’s a great, necessary story on a topic that refuses to go away.

[Jacquelyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected

It was ok. Too many things were glossed over and the pacing of the book was too fast. The story felt like a rush job that was done just to tick certain boxes. Instead of jumping from scenario to resolutions so quickly, this would have been better had situations been delved into a little deeper and allowed to marinate.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking while being entertaining

I enjoyed this book overall. It got me thinking. I would definitely recommend for a high school classroom to spark a lesson on racial micro aggression amd prejudice.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:

Title: Cracker
Author: Jacci Turner

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Number of Readers: 16

Stats
Editing 9/10
Style 7/10
Cover 6/10
Plot 8/10
Total 30/40
Of the 16 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the plot was the best part of the book.
6 thought the alternative future setting was the best part
6 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 though the author was a good writer.

Readers’ Comments
‘I thought this book was very clever. I liked the way the author turned the world upside down with people with white skins in America being suddenly in the minority. It made me think about racism which I think is what the book is trying to do. I did not like the cover as it looks like a dragon’s eye on the front cover so I thought it was fantasy.’ Girl, aged 14
‘It must be tough going to a new school where you are in the minority particularly if the school bully is after you. I think a lot of teenagers will enjoy this story. In fact, it probably will help children who face prejudice not only because of skin colour but because of a million other things. For example, they don’t have a cool bike or the latest brand of t-shirt. I thought the book was a little too short and the cover with the dragon eye was odd. I know it’s not a dragon’s eye but it was confusing when I first saw it.’ Boy, aged 15
‘Good story. I liked the way the author wrote. It was easy to understand and plenty happened to keep me reading. There was plenty of speech too although the strong accent was difficult to follow. But I’m British, not American.’ Boy, aged 15

‘This YA novel packs a ‘thought-provoking’ punch! A RED RIBBON winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Leo McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bold book to write.
Author Jacci Turner takes our world and flips it around - creating an America where black people hold the power and white people are the minority experiencing daily prejudice and disadvantage.
The author herself admits that it was scary to write - and that she was wary of making the conversation about race worse rather than better.
Aimed at a young adult audience, the story follows Ann, a young white woman as she joins a new school.
In this world, the white population was drastically reduced by illness during the times when black people were kept as slaves. Seizing the opportunity, the slaves staged a revolution - and a different America was born.
Ann finds herself navigating this world, where white children are shunned, where jobs are given to others because of their black skin, where car doors are locked as she walks by and where the possibility of friendship with black children is an invitation to be hurt physically and emotionally.
It's a story of abuse and the multitude of microaggressions that victims of prejudice have to experience on a daily basis - and how they can sometimes push people over the edge of what they can tolerate.
I suspect this book would best suit those who have not explored racial discrimination to a great level yet - a book that might open their minds to the problems so many face in our own world because of the colour of their skin, and it is a book that will bring out some loud criticism from some quarters for not being more in-depth in that discussion. That said, it is a starting point, and for that it deserves great credit. If this leads readers to discover a Jacqueline Woodson, an Angie Thomas or a Renee Watson, then it's all the better for that.

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cracker is a very interesting, though-provoking read, especially if you're white.

In this world, everything is flipped, where African Americans are the majority and whites are the minorities. If you're white, reading this book is invaluable for helping you to understand what African Americans go through on a daily basis and the kind of racism and discrimation they endure.

It's not a long read, but all the more engaging because of it. This was a book I reached for as soon as I woke up!

One thing to be aware of, is that this book deals solely with the African American-white aspect of America (and the gay one a little too), and does not deal with any other ethnic groups; Chinese, Mexican, Indian, Native America, etc. etc. Ann's school seems to have a majority of African American students, and a minority of white students. (The reason for this in the book is explained, however: "The nation [America] was also open to immigrants, but only if those immigrants were from Africa or the Caribbean.")

I definitely reccomend this to everyone who wants to learn more about and understand more fully, discrimination and racism. For age range, I would reccomend this to mature teens. There's no swearing and nothing explicit, [spoiler] but one character commits suicide and Ann as well as another character both get beaten up and harrassed.

This is a book that I enjoyed, and I feel that it has helped me to understand discrimination a little more. Definitely make sure you read this!

[Anneliese Grassi · Rating 3 out of 5]

What if...

This is definitely an eye opening, role reversing book in where white people have been slaves and are the minority. It takes place in a high school where a new white student, Ann, faces bullying while trying to make changes that some are just not ready for, and yet others are all too willing to lend a helping hand.

Although a short book not allowing enough time to go too terribly deep into each event that happens, it discusses quite a few heavy topics - discrimination, equality, bullying, sexuality, suicide, interracial couples, religion, peace. I found this book to be quite emotional and feel that it could definitely be used as a good discussion tool for teens today. In fact, there are discussion questions included at the end Of the book, which I am sure would lead to some fabulous conversations. I did enjoy this book. It was well written and did put a nice perspective on a "what if" scenario.

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Christy Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried. Twice. And I read this in one sitting.

Ms. Turner has taken a basic concept that is unfortunately very real even today, and turned it around to excellent effect. Having grown up a white female in a predominantly black and Hispanic society (Miami), echoes of my childhood came through in the very believable and engaging characters within this book. It flowed well, had great plot structure, and was well-edited.
Ann is the protagonist. Her insecurities, fears, and determination was poignant. Her discovery of other worlds – the world of her friend Jim, of Imani, of the Quakers – lead her down a new path, a path her family had tread before, though she didn’t realize it. It is true, if you have something to fight for you are stronger than before.
Though this book was geared towards young adults, anyone reading it could garner some insight from the tale. I highly recommend it.

[Els Boot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracker is a story about a 'might-be-society', in which roles of who belongs to the minority and who to majority are reversed. It is the story about a young white girl on highschool and I think recognizable for adolescents, white and black, gay or straight, rich or poor.
It is a rather successful attempt to discussing these difficult themes. Maybe Jacci should dig deeper for I think racism is not only about colour. And causes of other social problems are more complicated than the story tells us. But I am just a European from Holland so who is judging!
This is a nice book for adolescents because feelings, emotions and shame are reconizable for that age.
I was assigned this title in a book group and was asked to give an honest review.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes up the challenges of being a new kid at a new high school and dealing with being bullying. Ann is the main character in this were she share her challenges of trying to fit in at new high school. She is being bully, and then she gets help from an unexpected source who has a secret of his own.

We are taken on Anne, journey of self-discovery and to this alternative (world), history, where everything is turned upside down and Ann has to decide if she is ready to take a stand against injustice.

Jacci Turner, write a story that is an enjoyable read. This is a book I would have missed out on reading, and I am glad that I got a chance to read it.

[Lily Ferraioli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is normally not the kind of book I would pick up and read for my self but it's the kind of book I should pick up and read sometimes. It is very interesting seeing the black and white difference switched, if something happened differently this could have happened and it opened my eyes a little more onto how people are treated and how somethings that I don't ever think about some one thinks about a lot like what texture their hair is or who they can or can't date is. I really enjoyed this book and read it in almost a day. I would also like to thank the author Jacci Turner who sent me a free pdf copy to review her book.

[Maryann mayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my the book Cracker at first when I won it was like I am not sure if I am even gonna love this book. Oh boy I not only loved it but I couldn't stop reading it until it was finished. This is HUGE MUST READ BOOK.
Bullying is something I have always hated and is something I have seen and even been through. Bullying is bad in general and it hurts. But being hated for being born different color / race is sad. It was not just the bullying in school it was even the trying to make a change part. I hope that this book touches a lot of hearts out there as it has touched mine. You have done and amazing thing writing this book thank you for it.

[Missy]

This was an interesting book. Growing up I didn't face the same world that my parents grew up in. When my youngest sister came home from grade school 20 +years ago saying she wad going to marry her friend who was a different race we said okay. She saw no color difference.
This book made me stop and think. I think we still have some work to do when it comes to bullying.
I received my copy of this book from We love YA Books!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is challenging. It's an easy read but the topic makes you face racial injustice in ways you hadn't thought about before. But I really liked that. How do I know what I'm wrong about when I'm blind to it in the first place? I think in this day-and-age this book could be a really good tool to bring into schools to just get the conversation started.

[R.w. Foster · Rating 1 out of 5]

This Is Exactly What You Think

Yet another White Savior, driven by her indoctrinated White Guilt, come to tell us the plight of the poor, helpless, oppressed black people - sorry "people of color."I

This virtue signal could have used an editor to remind the author showing, not telling, is more impactful. And, they could hopefully have pointed out the biggest flaw of the story: A virus that targets only one ethnicity isn't possible in the land of the 21st Century, much less be a natural one in the 18th. Yet, as always, this type of person, desperate to show how not racist they are, demonstrate the exact opposite. Negroids, Caucazoids & Mongoloids are pretty closely related, so the illness of the story's background would have killed basically all people.I

One more thing: If the author sees this, I would bet they pick up a real history book, not something pushed by the Gender Studies professor. You'll be shocked by what they (and public school textbooks) left out.