Your Plantation Prom Is Not Okay is a strong and powerful read, that is entertaining but also makes you think. Through Harriet's experiences, the story reflects on both historical and current racism, as well as the dangers of ignoring or romanticizing the negative parts of history. I loved the very full and nuanced way the book explored this too. It highlights range of difficult emotions our history can have on both Black and White people, emotions like shame, guilt, anger, fear. It highlights the importance of using our own voice to talk about things that matter to us, while allowing ourselves to accept support from allies from all different backgrounds. This book is centered on the importance of talking about race issues, while simultaneously showing the importance of taking breaks and not letting yourself be overwhelmed by the pain and the heavy stuff. And while more limited, there are little peeks at the roles other marginalized groups can play in this type of conversation.

Obviously discussions of racism is a primary element of this book, but I loved that there is more to it than that. What struck me more than anything is that this is a book about grief. Harriet's mother died just a few years prior to the story's start, and she's experiencing a traumatic grief that is portrayed so well and honestly. It's an all-consuming grief that impacts her relationships, as well as her ability to cope with the daily stressors of living where she does. It also means she doesn't always handle things in the best way, which is relatable. She has to learn how to let herself fully breathe, and to learn how to effectively use anger rather than be all-consumed by it. And she also learns to recognize different kinds of grief in others, and the importance of joy and community in healing. This story is complex and heavy at times, but it left me feeling happily satisfied.

Of course, the book also has light, funny, enjoyable moments to balance it out nicely. Harriet's best friend is studying abroad for most of the story, but their text messages and overall BFF cuteness was fun to read. The story pokes some fun at Influencer culture with Layla, who can be out of pocket, but it's fun to see the shifts in her relationship with Harriet. There is romance, with an old childhood bestie. And there is a pet chicken who may or may not get set loose on some people when they are being a little rude. This book has some serious thinking material, but it's also a fun story.

Your Plantation Prom Is Not Okay by Kelly McWilliams is a fantastic YA novel, with a Black teen girl protagonist who's voice is fierce and smart, but grieving and unsure at times. The emotional turmoil in Harriet's heart and mind contribute to the situations she finds herself in, and make an already fascinating premise even more compelling. Lots of dialog between Harriet and others that might open your mind to the Black experience in America today, or have you nodding along in recognition. This book was a journey!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

This book is a MUST read! The story drew me in immediately and is also showed me a different perspective on plantations that went deeper than anything I have ever read before. I thank Kelly McWilliams so much for sharing this story with the world. It's written for young adults, but I would venture to say that all adults need to read it with open minds and hearts. Books like this are one of the few ways that we can step outside out of our own bubbles and lives and see life through other people's eyes and perspectives.

Content warning: death of a parent from cancer, depression, mental health struggles, racism

YOUR PLANTATION PROM IS NOT OKAY is not a light and fluffy book, McWilliams delves into the actual history of America... and how too many generations are growing up missing the education of how this country was founded and built. While our protagonist, Harriet Douglass, might be a smart and witty teenager, she also is literally living on a plantation her parents turned into an enslaved people’s museum. On top of that emotional burden she is still trying to process the loss of her mother to cancer while also living with a father that is drowning in his own depression.

With that being said, McWilliams does an excellent job of giving readers moments of levity - because Harriet is spunky and knowing that there are teens like her out there in the real world give me hope that the needle may actually be able to be shifted, and that things can be changed in this country. Plantations should not used for parties, the Antebellum South should not be romanticized, plantation proms and weddings are definitely not okay. And if you don't know why, this is a great place to start.

I'm excited to get this book into the hands of my teen patrons, and I hope that it inspires them to continue or begin their own journey of activism... and maybe it will help inspire some adults too - especially those lacking melanin to reevaluate the American history they have been/are being taught.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

This is a really phenomenal book for teens. McWilliam's book tackles the legacy of plantation, medical racism, and respectability politics in an approachable way for teens to grapple with the realities of.

It also is a really great exploration of anger and how we can turn anger into action.

TikTok is a heavily used plot device that I think will make the book relatable to teens.

Well written and compelling, Your Plantation Prom is Not Okay is a YA novel that reminds us to look deeper at both history and ourselves. I highly recommend it for adults and teens.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Your Plantation Prom is Not Okay is blazing its own trail as a mix of typical teen fare crossed with social commentary and a bit of therapy. Each of the characters (main and supporting) is worthy of their own book. There were times I would have liked to have seen a bit more of story arcs of the main characters objectively rather than subjectively through the protagonist, whose judgments are so deeply informed by her pain (both present and historical). But, there was enough there that the reader can flesh out those stories through their own experiences as well. I was surprised at the lack of neat bows on different story lines given the YA genre. This seemed fitting given the various character arcs, though, and challenges the reader to continue to grapple with the central themes. I was particularly satisfied by the story arc of the main character/new best friend and how it ended...or didn't...(no spoilers)

I rate the book at five stars primarily due to clear and and uncompromising reflections on race in America. There were hard observations and no pat answers. The reader is challenged to come to their own new understanding of the lived experiences of others and the deep roots of racism that are still very evident today. The other reason I gave it five stars was the inclusion of nearly every type of marginalized group within the story. Though most of these characters are not central to the main story line, it was clearly intentional. At first, I thought it was a performative tactic. But as the story went on, I realized it was actually an important part of the social commentary of the book. The inclusion of these characters made the reader think about who else's stories aren't being told.

All in all, a read that will be enjoyed on many levels, and definitely appropriate for a young adult audience looking for tips on how to tilt at windows with liberal the use of modern technology and relying on your core group of friends. This is the second book by this author I have read and I look forward to many more!

This book turned out to be subtler than its title. Its exploration of grief and rage was done well. A bit didactic, but probably appropriately so for YA. Will purchase for HS building.

McWilliams' writing captivated me from the very first page, making this YA realistic fiction a novel that could be read in one sitting. Douglass, the main character, is someone that you want to have in your life, bringing her sharp wit and snark to topics that could otherwise be really, really heavy. The story handles well the complicated mix of grief, the challenge of new relationships, and the way that our society's idyllic fantasies of the 'antebellum era' play out in people's lives. Highly recommend to any library that carries YA materials.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order this year and will recommend it to students.