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Hey, Brown Girl
17-year-old Raven Jamison, and her three best friends, Nia, Jasmine, and Trinity, make up “The Brown Girls Club.” The girls spend long and carefree days in their bayou town of Lake Lacroix, nestled behind the big city of New Orleans.
A dinner time knock at the door abruptly changes everything.
When child protective services descend on their doorstep dropping off her younger cousin Carter, Raven is suddenly thrust into a brand new reality.
Generational ties that affected the entire family for decades soon resurface. Carter’s presence rips at the Jamison household, and his aggressive and shocking behaviors may prove too much to handle for this seemingly picture perfect family.
Raven, her family and friends must work together to overcome their shared pain and help Carter find his voice before it’s too late.
Hey, Brown Girl is a compelling and thought-provoking young adult novel about struggle, forgiveness and hope. When this melanin rich family finds strength in their shared bonds, it’s undeniable proof . . . love conquers all.
A dinner time knock at the door abruptly changes everything.
When child protective services descend on their doorstep dropping off her younger cousin Carter, Raven is suddenly thrust into a brand new reality.
Generational ties that affected the entire family for decades soon resurface. Carter’s presence rips at the Jamison household, and his aggressive and shocking behaviors may prove too much to handle for this seemingly picture perfect family.
Raven, her family and friends must work together to overcome their shared pain and help Carter find his voice before it’s too late.
Hey, Brown Girl is a compelling and thought-provoking young adult novel about struggle, forgiveness and hope. When this melanin rich family finds strength in their shared bonds, it’s undeniable proof . . . love conquers all.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2021
67 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Janay Harden
6 books51 followersHello There!
My name is Janay and I write contemporary YA. Please stick around as I make sense of the world through my collection of words.
My name is Janay and I write contemporary YA. Please stick around as I make sense of the world through my collection of words.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 22, 2021
I had the honor to read this book in advance. Let tell you this book was powerful. There are so many issues that black family's don't address. And this book told the story about a family who has issues and was able to heal from past hurts. This book is a true light in the black family.
March 28, 2021
I love discovering authors who aren’t afraid to tackle real life issues. Hey, Brown Girl covers issues such anxiety, alcohol addiction, foster care and generational trauma.
While the book is told in the third person, our main character Raven is in high school and lives a perfect life. At least on the outside. Inside she struggles with anxiety and the worry that she isn’t enough. Her world is turned upside down and family secrets are unburied when her cousin is brought to their house by social services. As the turmoil at home continues to build, Raven searches for strength and support through her friends and therapist at school. As she learns more about her family history, she also begins to learn more about herself and how strong she can be on her own.
Hey, Brown Girl is a beautifully written coming of age novel. I felt very connected to Raven and her struggles with anxiety. The pain Phoenix felt from her own upbringing and how it affects relationships even when you don’t realize it. I found each character to be relatable and that they brought so much strength to the story.
I had no idea what to expect when the title of the book caught my eye and selected it to read/review through StoryOrigin. I am so glad that I did as even though I have finished it, I find myself thinking about it. Remembering certain parts and searching myself to answer some of the questions that Raven faced. I highly recommend this novel.
While the book is told in the third person, our main character Raven is in high school and lives a perfect life. At least on the outside. Inside she struggles with anxiety and the worry that she isn’t enough. Her world is turned upside down and family secrets are unburied when her cousin is brought to their house by social services. As the turmoil at home continues to build, Raven searches for strength and support through her friends and therapist at school. As she learns more about her family history, she also begins to learn more about herself and how strong she can be on her own.
Hey, Brown Girl is a beautifully written coming of age novel. I felt very connected to Raven and her struggles with anxiety. The pain Phoenix felt from her own upbringing and how it affects relationships even when you don’t realize it. I found each character to be relatable and that they brought so much strength to the story.
I had no idea what to expect when the title of the book caught my eye and selected it to read/review through StoryOrigin. I am so glad that I did as even though I have finished it, I find myself thinking about it. Remembering certain parts and searching myself to answer some of the questions that Raven faced. I highly recommend this novel.
February 28, 2021
Thank you to the author, Janay Harden for providing a copy of her book for my review. I am giving Hey, Brown Girl a 3.5 stars. Let me start by saying YA fiction is my JAM!! I love a good young adult fiction book and when there is black girl magic, sign me up.
3 things I loved
1. Raven Jamison had a complete family with a mother AND a father.
2. The author didn't shy away from speaking about mental illness. There is a terrible stigma surrounding mental illness in the black community.
3. Raven had a good support system and I loved how she and her friends made sure to lift each other up. They were so supportive of one another.
What I didn't love were some of the inconsistencies in the writing. Editing matters. There were a lot of repetitive sentences, some of the slang needed to be explained such as Carter saying he not messing with 12 when he was talking to his uncle. I was trying to use my context clues and still didn't understand. Then Raven's my was cooking curry with rice but when her father came home the rice turned into cabbage.
Overall, this was a good story and has the potential to be great. We definitely need more books celebrating black girl magic.
3 things I loved
1. Raven Jamison had a complete family with a mother AND a father.
2. The author didn't shy away from speaking about mental illness. There is a terrible stigma surrounding mental illness in the black community.
3. Raven had a good support system and I loved how she and her friends made sure to lift each other up. They were so supportive of one another.
What I didn't love were some of the inconsistencies in the writing. Editing matters. There were a lot of repetitive sentences, some of the slang needed to be explained such as Carter saying he not messing with 12 when he was talking to his uncle. I was trying to use my context clues and still didn't understand. Then Raven's my was cooking curry with rice but when her father came home the rice turned into cabbage.
Overall, this was a good story and has the potential to be great. We definitely need more books celebrating black girl magic.
July 12, 2024
This was a great read surrounding many topics we choose not to speak on.
I loved the family time within them & I loved the unity that her and her friends have.
Loved it and highly recommend
I loved the family time within them & I loved the unity that her and her friends have.
Loved it and highly recommend
April 7, 2021
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HEY BROWN GIRL - Janay Harden
I am Raven. Raven is me. I absolutely connected, identified, and absorbed these characters that @authorjanay has written. The undeniable rawness of this story, the trauma, and need to push through - was like looking in a mirror,oddly familiar.
Generational secrets meant to be kept secret, addictions, illnesses, self esteems tarnished:at some point we all have to face the man in the mirror and evaluate.
Raven and her family have to deal with some difficult truths, shared pain and trauma. Will history repeat itself, or will Raven and Carter’s generation be the ones to break the curse?
Read this book when you get the chance ! You will not regret it. If I’m being honest I have been going from book to book trying to digest all its content and I’m emotionally spent. I enjoy this community so much, and the way it has allowed me to discover independent authors and stories. I’m the type of reader to jump in head first, absorbing as much as possible and everything. I have to learn to take my time, let the books seep in. This one left me with a book hangover 🖤🖤🖤🖤
March 16, 2021
Hey Brown Girl is Janay Harden’s debut YA novel, centered around Raven Jamison as she navigates some pretty heavy events. Throw in the typical teenage angst and here is a story that will keep you intrigued for many hours. Issues like race relations, abandonment and alcohol addiction are just some of the themes that Harden weaves into the story; while showing the importance of a support system of family and friends. We see that families are not perfect but being together counts.
On the downside, the third-person narrative was a bit difficult to get used to but eventually grew on me. There were some editing errors but those may have already been addressed in the final copy. Thanks to Janay Harden for an advanced copy and the chance to give an honest review
On the downside, the third-person narrative was a bit difficult to get used to but eventually grew on me. There were some editing errors but those may have already been addressed in the final copy. Thanks to Janay Harden for an advanced copy and the chance to give an honest review
August 18, 2023
Amazing! This book sucked me in. Its a story about Raven who is raised by her parents in a solid and positive home environment. Her father, Khalil, sister, Cocina, has a history of battling with drugs and unfortunately her son, Carter, is removed from her and brought to Khalil. Carter is dealing with abandonment, witnessing his mother struggle with life in general, nutritional neglect, lack of stability, trauma and anger and once placed with his uncle's family all of this is shown through his behaviors. He has so many triggers and he won't talk. Carter being in the home shakes up the family and they must learn to address some underlying issues as well as work as a unit to help not only Carter but the entire family to heal. And let me prepare you for chapter 30...get your tissues...its a game changer!
It took me 2 days to finish this book and I could have done it in a day if I didnt have to work. I recommend this book to everyone. There is a piece of something in this book that everyone could benefit from. Janay did her thing when she wrote this book. Give it a read...
It took me 2 days to finish this book and I could have done it in a day if I didnt have to work. I recommend this book to everyone. There is a piece of something in this book that everyone could benefit from. Janay did her thing when she wrote this book. Give it a read...
January 19, 2025
2.5 stars. I'm trying to figure out what didn't exactly work here. I was looking for a book that shows a black family just living life. And I'm also interested in foster care. This had both, but it felt like I was being preached at the whole time, like the sole purpose of the book was to show teen black girls what healthy communication and conflict resolution and family dynamics look like`. The writing was simplistic and the message seemed more important than the story. I found myself bored many times.
Halfway through this book I stopped and read Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins which also has strong messages about healing from trauma, but that book kept me hooked. The message was conveyed through the story rather than AS the story.
CC: Lots of swearing including the f-word, some suggestive comments, voodoo festival, palm reading, yoga session, parent smoking a joint
Halfway through this book I stopped and read Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins which also has strong messages about healing from trauma, but that book kept me hooked. The message was conveyed through the story rather than AS the story.
CC: Lots of swearing including the f-word, some suggestive comments, voodoo festival, palm reading, yoga session, parent smoking a joint
March 7, 2021
This book follows Raven as she navigates major life changes as well as the typical teenage trials. It explores family issues, generational trauma, and finding your own voice.
I loved the focus on the support systems, mental health, and mistakes of the characters. They were allowed to have flaws and issues without them taking over the characters' identities.
It delves into some heavy topics like race, substance abuse, abandonment, and more. It is a YA novel I would definitely recommend for any teenage girl. As an adult reader, I love YA but I really appreciate when you can tell books that are meant for their audience, and not just an adult story with teenage characters.
There were some small errors and sometimes there was a bit of repetitiveness, but overall I enjoyed this book.
I loved the focus on the support systems, mental health, and mistakes of the characters. They were allowed to have flaws and issues without them taking over the characters' identities.
It delves into some heavy topics like race, substance abuse, abandonment, and more. It is a YA novel I would definitely recommend for any teenage girl. As an adult reader, I love YA but I really appreciate when you can tell books that are meant for their audience, and not just an adult story with teenage characters.
There were some small errors and sometimes there was a bit of repetitiveness, but overall I enjoyed this book.
April 11, 2021
I stumbled upon this author on Tic Tok, then after browsing booksprout and found the book there, I decided this might be a good read and took a chance, and I'm so glad I did. I really enjoyed the characters as well as the theme of the story were so relatable and realistic. I really enjoyed how they handled generational curses and ties. Raven telling her story, as well as the ups and downs of her life and the life of her family was handled and told so well. This was my first book by this author, but if she keeps telling stories like this, It surely won't be my last. This book took me on such a rollercoaster and I am so here and really enjoyed this ride. Excellent Job
I received a copy of the book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
I received a copy of the book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
June 3, 2022
3.5 ⭐'s for me. Certain parts were slower than others, but I liked it. Reading this brought more of my professional brain/thoughts out.
"Hey, Brown Girl" is a coming of age story for the ENTIRE Jamison family. They are forced into change and must address the family secrets and cycles that come to light in the process...possibly tearing up the entire family. Being part of each person's growth was nice.
I think readers Raven's age would benefit from reading this. Reading that Raven's character sought help and participated actively in therapy/counseling breaks the stigma that many cultures have attached to it. To know you aren't the only one who struggles with things is important especially at that age.
"Hey, Brown Girl" is a coming of age story for the ENTIRE Jamison family. They are forced into change and must address the family secrets and cycles that come to light in the process...possibly tearing up the entire family. Being part of each person's growth was nice.
I think readers Raven's age would benefit from reading this. Reading that Raven's character sought help and participated actively in therapy/counseling breaks the stigma that many cultures have attached to it. To know you aren't the only one who struggles with things is important especially at that age.
May 14, 2024
Authentic
This book gave a glimpse into a family fighting to overcome past trauma. The women suffered so much. In turn, they passed down more pain to their children. I loved how they started doing the work to heal. Their commitment to mend their brokenness was admirable. I especially enjoyed reading about Carter. He made so many strides. I was happy for his progress. Though Raven was the star of the book, I felt like her story got lost in the chaos. She seemed like just a bystander to everything that was happening to her family for much of the book. I did really enjoy her budding courtship. Their connection was sweet. I appreciated the realness of this story, but I was glad that there were joyful moments sprinkled in too.
This book gave a glimpse into a family fighting to overcome past trauma. The women suffered so much. In turn, they passed down more pain to their children. I loved how they started doing the work to heal. Their commitment to mend their brokenness was admirable. I especially enjoyed reading about Carter. He made so many strides. I was happy for his progress. Though Raven was the star of the book, I felt like her story got lost in the chaos. She seemed like just a bystander to everything that was happening to her family for much of the book. I did really enjoy her budding courtship. Their connection was sweet. I appreciated the realness of this story, but I was glad that there were joyful moments sprinkled in too.
March 23, 2025
I thought this was a really great read about healing and forgiveness. And learning to love yourself despite your mistakes. I would recommend this for a teenager to read. Especially since it mainly focused on Raven who’s in high school. I loved that Raven had help from her school counselor even though she resisted it a lot of time. A lot of kids slipped through the cracks at school. Especially at larger schools. And I loved that they always rallied to help Carter in the end! And they all got some healing and understanding.
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
I only had one which was-Does Raven call her mom by her first name?
The following are all the thoughts I had while reading this book so it may contains some spoilers:
I only had one which was-Does Raven call her mom by her first name?
March 22, 2021
This was one of my first reads centered around black life and problems, and I don't know how to express myself. I loved the opportunity to learn something new and to understand some of the problems black people experience. This book talks and mentions lots of problems like drugs, alcool addiction, anxiety etc.... maybe too much in a short book.
Raven was nice and I can understand some of her worries.
I think my main struggle was to understand the slang and lots of senteces that I hadn't read/seen before.
Raven was nice and I can understand some of her worries.
I think my main struggle was to understand the slang and lots of senteces that I hadn't read/seen before.
March 6, 2021
"Hey Brown Girl" is Janay Harden's debut, and I'm ready for book number two.
Take a trip to Lake Lacroix and go on a journey of self discovery with Raven. Raven is in high-school and draws you in as she navigates conflict, friendships, and a budding romance. From the outside Raven's family seems to have it all together, but behind closed doors the truth is revealed. This story brings the harsh realities of addiction, generational family trauma, and the road to healing to light.
Take a trip to Lake Lacroix and go on a journey of self discovery with Raven. Raven is in high-school and draws you in as she navigates conflict, friendships, and a budding romance. From the outside Raven's family seems to have it all together, but behind closed doors the truth is revealed. This story brings the harsh realities of addiction, generational family trauma, and the road to healing to light.
March 20, 2021
I enjoyed this story about repairing families, growing up and teen anxiety. Raven is a teen with anxiety that she hides. I loved watching how she changed and grew throughout the book. With the help of her friends, her family and her counsellor, Raven finds her true purpose. As Raven learns, her family also leans how to forgive each other and face some hard truths.....highly recommend. I received this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2021
I enjoyed this YA novel. It was good to read a story that touched on family and also opened the readers' eyes to sutuations that could possibly destroy the dynamic, such as trauma, both past and present. Mental illness was presented as well.
I give this book 4 stars because there were times when the conversations between two people were jammed together, and I couldn't detect who was saying what. It threw the flow of the book off.
I give this book 4 stars because there were times when the conversations between two people were jammed together, and I couldn't detect who was saying what. It threw the flow of the book off.
September 8, 2021
I too am a Brown Girl, and I found so many similarities yet difference from my own life. I was the one thrust upon the family. This novel really gave me some insight into what others in my new family constellate ion were feeling! Talk about generational ties and their affects resurfacing – oh my! Jamay is really a talented author and this is a novel that I will pass on to the teens and young adults that cross my threshold! Thank you for your wonderful manuscript!
March 16, 2021
Really good
I love YA books and this did not disappoint. The story was one of those that I wish I could have read as a younger person. The anxiety that just comes to young people for so many reasons. This was a story that captured me from the beginning making me want to get my own Brown Girl Club. I would definitely recommend this book to all. Great job Janay Harden
I love YA books and this did not disappoint. The story was one of those that I wish I could have read as a younger person. The anxiety that just comes to young people for so many reasons. This was a story that captured me from the beginning making me want to get my own Brown Girl Club. I would definitely recommend this book to all. Great job Janay Harden
November 30, 2024
This is a heartwarming and enlightening young adult novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate stories about the power of love, family, and friendship in overcoming trauma, healing, and personal growth, making it a perfect fit for anyone seeking a relatable and uplifting tale of self-discovery and empowerment.
September 29, 2025
Bad writing
I hate when books have to be overly something to make their point. There was no plot to this book that other wise had great potential. Not one character was written with care. Hard pass.
I hate when books have to be overly something to make their point. There was no plot to this book that other wise had great potential. Not one character was written with care. Hard pass.
March 7, 2021
3.5 stars [ Review coming soon ]
March 15, 2021
This was an enjoyable read! We need more black girl protagonists, so I was happy to read this one. It talks about real issues that people face every day. Great story with a great message.
July 26, 2021
Excellent book
This book was really good. I enjoyed reading about this family and I really loved that it had a lot of Louisiana culture throughout the book. Excellent read!!!
This book was really good. I enjoyed reading about this family and I really loved that it had a lot of Louisiana culture throughout the book. Excellent read!!!
December 21, 2021
a story of healing
Great story about breaking generational curses and rebuilding a family! Trauma is real, but so is healing! I highly recommend this book!
Great story about breaking generational curses and rebuilding a family! Trauma is real, but so is healing! I highly recommend this book!
February 17, 2022
I loved this book. You hear about all of her life experiences, and overall
this was just an amazing book.
this was just an amazing book.
February 27, 2024
It started off slow, but I do like the progress each person made within themselves.
December 18, 2024
idk just no
December 27, 2024
This story defined what it means to break generational trauma and reshape family dynamics. I love the inclusive nature of this book as well as the realness when it comes to life experiences.
February 13, 2025
Great book that clearly shows how trama can affect generations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews