Every Body Looking

Every Body Looking is a novel in verse that follows Ada, a first-generation Nigerian-American student, during her first semester at a historically Black college. The story moves between her present experiences at university and memories of her childhood and teenage years. Through precise, rhythmic verses, the novel chronicles Ada's path to self-discovery as she navigates complex family relationships, cultural expectations, and her growing passion for dance. Her experiences at home with her strict father and troubled mother shape her journey toward independence at college. The narrative examines Ada's evolving relationships with her family, friends, potential romantic interests, and most importantly, herself - as she learns to listen to her own voice and desires. Iloh's verses explore themes of identity, body autonomy, sexuality, family loyalty, and the power of artistic expression as Ada finds her place in the world. The book stands as both a coming-of-age story and an exploration of what it means to be a young Black woman defining herself on her own terms, against the backdrop of family pressures and societal expectations.

Readers connect with the raw honesty and free verse format of this coming-of-age story about Ada's first year of college. The non-linear timeline and poetic style create an intimate portrait of identity, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Readers appreciated: - Authentic portrayal of first-generation Nigerian-American experiences - Exploration of sexuality, body image, and dance - Relatable themes for young adult readers - Strong character development through flashbacks Common criticisms: - Narrative can feel fragmented and hard to follow - Some readers wanted more resolution to certain plotlines - Pacing issues in the middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (115+ ratings) "The verse format perfectly captures Ada's inner turmoil," notes one reader on Goodreads. Another Amazon reviewer writes, "The non-linear storytelling made it difficult to stay engaged, though the emotional depth is there."

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🌟 The book was named a 2021 Michael L. Printz Honor Book - one of the most prestigious awards in young adult literature 🎭 The author, Candice Iloh, is not only a writer but also a performing artist and youth educator who has conducted workshops at universities across the United States 📚 The novel's dance elements draw from Iloh's own background as a dancer and her experiences in the performing arts community 🎓 The book's setting at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) reflects a rich educational tradition dating back to 1837, when the first HBCU, Cheyney University, was established 📖 The verse novel format used in "Every Body Looking" connects to a long tradition of Black poetry and storytelling, following in the footsteps of influential works like Jacqueline Woodson's "Brown Girl Dreaming"