However, she receives criticism from her aunt and cousins for maintaining her Haitian identity even though she held the notion that they would be accepting. In Fabiola’s case as a new migrant, she feels the obligation to stick to her roots by embracing every aspect that defines her culture. The story revolves around the Haitian communities juxtaposing between new migrants and those from first and second generations in the United States. Fabiola exhibits the struggles with dual identity that most new immigrants, even the old ones, deal with while navigating the American culture. Through the protagonist, the narrative explores the anxieties one harbor while acclimating to a foreign environment. Moreover, the predicament becomes worse when her mother’s freedom relies on turning in her cousins to the authorities. Therefore she finds herself at a crossroads when she has to betray others to maintain loyalty to her family. Their relationship and connection highlight their appreciation for family which both have displayed towards their relatives while in Haiti. Consequently, Fabiola focuses on seeking means to secure Manman’s freedom. During their immigration into the United States Manman, Fabiola’s mother, is detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own.Īt the center of the narrative is family, Fabiola’s relationship with her family members both nuclear and extended sets the main conflict. Just as she finds her footing in this strange new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost.These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess the grittiness of Detroit’s west side a new school and a surprising romance, all on her own. On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie-a good life.īut after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola’s mother is detained by U.S. In this stunning debut novel, Pushcart-nominated author Ibi Zoboi draws on her own experience as a young Haitian immigrant, infusing this lyrical exploration of America with magical realism and vodou culture. Review Source: Cooperative Children's Book CenterĪlso by this author: American Street, PrideĪmerican Street is an evocative and powerful coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Everything, Everything Bone Gap and All American Boys. Published by HarperCollins on February 14th 2017

American Street by Ibi Zoboi