Celeste's Harlem Renaissance: A Trip to Remember

I love historical fiction and couldn't wait to crack the spine of Celeste's Harlem Renaissance by Eleanora E. Tate.

This book paints a vivid picture of African-American life in the 1920's, both in segregated Raleigh, North Carolina and in New York City's Harlem, but it's real strength is in its wonderful characters, especially 13-year old Celeste.

When her father leaves for an extended stay at a tuberculosis sanitarium (where victims of this highly contagious disease were sent to convalesce), Celeste begins a memorable journey from Raleigh to stay with her Aunti Val in Harlem. Armed with Dede (her precious violin) and her schoolbag, she heads north.

Tate does a brilliant job of getting us inside Celeste's head, where childhood fears are battling her desire to grow up and experience the world outside of Raleigh.

Once she arrives in Harlem, Celeste is full of hope for an eventual family reunion back home. As the months wear on, however, she realizes the improbability of this plan as her beloved Aunti turns out to be a less than perfect guardian.

A whole cast of fascinating, well-developed supporting characters surround Celeste as she embarks on this journey from girlhood to womanhood. You'll learn to love Aunt Society, laugh with Miss D., and enjoy Celeste's ever-growing circle of friends.

As her character evolves, we see Celeste learn to take care of others with kindness and empathy and still find the power within to follow her dreams. In her world, where characters fall into the category of either "butterfly" or "rock", she is determined to be both -- to spread her wings as a butterfly and be a rock to those she loves.

Celeste is the kind of girl I want my own girls to be -- a smart, compassionate dreamer -- who is also a wee bit sassy. You'll love her and her story!

*This book is recommended for 5-8th graders. One scene involves Celeste getting her period, so adults might want to be on hand to answer questions for younger readers.