By Sarah Jamila Stevenson, Flux, $9.95, 327 pages

10When called a “towel head” by a fellow classmate, Asha Jamison and her friend Carey dream up “The Latte Rebellion”, a group for those that don’t quite fit into just one ethnic background. But what starts as just a statement and a way to make a little money on the side, The Latte Rebellion soon becomes popular and the fun starts turning forceful. Soon the rebellion goes from something small to something that could quite possibly ruin Asha’s big plans for the future.

While you feel drawn to many of the characters in the book, I think the biggest draw is to Asha, the main character. She’s very approachable and real, worrying over things that other teens do around her age and other worries that some don’t have to consider, like living up to their parents’ standards. Her worries are what catapult The Latte Rebellion, her outlet for everything else. The story hits on very real issues and themes such as racism, finding one’s identity, bullying, and expectations versus real life.

Although the themes are complex and sometimes hit deep, Stevenson’s writing makes it easy to be drawn into the book and you’ll be surprised at just how quickly you’ll fly through this book. This is an amazing debut from an author that shows promise of more amazing works in the future.

Reviewed by Missy Wadkins