Joseph's Grace

Gr 7—10—In this sequel to Joseph (S & S, 2008), Joseph Cross has just lost his cousin Jasmine, who was murdered by his crack-addict mother's boyfriend. Suddenly, beginning his sophomore year of high school does not feel so important. Joseph lives with his aunt and uncle, who are lost in grief over their daughter; his father is still serving in Iraq; and his mother is miles away from recovery. And he no longer has Jasmine's comforting voice and guidance to move him through the turbulent seas of school, grief, and girlfriends. Joseph does his best to regain traction, but every time he comes close, his mother steps in to stall the progress. Joseph's story is sad, but Moses does not provide the necessary emotionality. Short, clipped sentences and limited vocabulary make his voice seem monotone, unemotional, and much younger than his 15 years. This creates a problem in determining audience. The tone also causes much of the story to fall flat, particularly Joseph's relationship with his girlfriend, Valerie. And his naïveté belies his claims of time spent in the projects with his mother and her habit. This tale lacks the emotional resonance needed to carry it and lend it truth.—Naphtali L. Faris, Saint Louis Public Library, MO