Emerging…free is an interesting story told mostly from the point of view of Free, a young African-American teen determined to live in the place she knows as home. When her mother decides to relocate cross-country to deal with her own past, she causes Free to make some hard decisions. During the turbulent year that Free faces, we meet more of Free’s familial structure including her maternal grandmother, younger sister, and eventual best friend.

Getting inside the mind of a teenager of today is a difficult task. Yet, Keisha Bell creates a character that thinks independently, prays fervently, and feels extremely. This book also speaks to the importance of communication. Knowing the thoughts of Free makes the reader eager to see if those thoughts are shared with others. Free is an amazingly mature young woman that makes rather deep conclusions about life in general. Learning to forgive is one of the hardest things to do at any age, and luckily, Free is able to get that lesson early in life – and she is able to pass with flying colors!

GD Hill
A SistaGirl Book Club Reviewer