MONIQUE COUVSON’S TRAILBLAZING BOOK

Pushout laid the groundwork for understanding how our schools are failing Black girls; her follow-up, Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues, provided a blueprint for their healing and liberation. Now Couvson invites readers to be inspired by her liberatory imagination with an original narrative told from the perspective of the very girls she has been fighting for years to lift up.

Charisma’s Turn is a graphic novel that follows the dynamic story of Charisma, a Black high school student who is grappling with mounting pressures from home and school. When frustrations with her family intersect with a conflict at school, she reaches a crossroads, facing a choice that could change her future. Featuring vibrantly illustrated art from Amanda Jones and a foreword by poet, artist, and arts educator Susan Arauz Barnes, this book will appeal to teens, parents, educators, librarians, and more. Charisma’s Turn exemplifies how Black girls can be truly empowered to reach their full potential when they have supportive educators and community members in their corner.

“In this beautifully illustrated graphic novel that will appeal to young and old, Monique Couvson shows us once again how to release the powerful genius of Black girls.”

—LISA DELPIT, MacArthur Fellow and author of “Multiplication Is for White People”: Raising Expectations for Other People’s Children praise for monique couvson:

“[The author] is a force and a light.”

—SUSAN BURTON, founder of A New Way of Life and author of Becoming Ms. Burton

“Like the blues, [Couvson]’s writing is compelling, honest, and raw, but brimming with hope.”

—MARC LAMONT HILL, BET correspondent and author of Nobody www.thenewpress.com

Cover illustration by Amanda Jones

Cover design by Emily Mahon