Standing Against the Wind

By Traci L. Jones

A girl fights for education amidst adversity, with unexpected help from a classmate.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 582 ratings

208 pages· 37,719 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

$16.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Patrice Williams, uprooted from Georgia to Chicago, faces the harsh realities of life in the projects. Struggling to fit in, her dedication to academics sets her apart, catching the eye of Monty Freeman. As Monty becomes her unexpected ally, Patrice dreams of escaping to Dogwood Academy. But with her mother as a looming obstacle, can she overcome the challenges and seize her future? Discover the strength of friendship and ambition in a world where survival is the first lesson.

From the publisher

In her debut novel, Traci L. Jones presents a girl with grit she never knew she had, and a boy so inspired by her that he begins to take pride in his own abilities. Patrice dreams of a first-class education, but right now she’s just got to survive the walk to school.Patrice Williams was happy living in Georgia with her grandmother…then her mother lured her to Chicago and ended up in jail. Living in the projects, Patrice is an easy target for everyone. Not only won’t she stand up for herself, she cares about her grades–unlike her classmates. But that draws the attention of Monty Freeman, another eighth grader who asks Patrice to tutor his little brother. When Monty becomes her guardian angel, Patrice begins to think something stronger than friendship might be growing between them. Still, nothing will stop her from applying for a scholarship at prestigious Dogwood Academy–except her mother. Winner of the 2007 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Award A 2007 Bank Street - Best Children’s Book of the Year