Bright Red Fruit

By: Safia Elhillo

Narrated by: Safia Elhillo

An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY.

A MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOK • A CALIBA GOLDEN POPPY AWARD FINALIST • A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, BOOKLIST AND KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Bad girl. No matter how hard Samira tries, she can’t shake her reputation. She’s never gotten the benefit of the doubt—not from her mother or the aunties who watch her like a hawk.

Samira is determined to have a perfect summer filled with fun parties, exploring DC, and growing as a poet—until a scandalous rumor has her grounded and unable to leave her house. When Samira turns to a poetry forum for solace, she catches the eye of an older, charismatic poet named Horus. For the first time, Samira feels wanted. But soon she’s keeping a bigger secret than ever before—one that that could prove her reputation and jeopardize her place in her community.

In this gripping coming-of-age novel from the critically acclaimed author Safia Elhillo, a young woman searches to find the balance between honoring her family, her artistry, and her authentic self.

Critic reviews

★ "A stunning work that deeply explores poetry, the complexities of identity, and the longing for love."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "A mesmerizing verse novel and a gripping exploration of the hyper-policing of Black girls’ bodies and sexuality."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "Elhillo has created more than a cautionary tale. Much like the tale of Persephone’s abduction, she has crafted a story that contains misery, but at its very core, harbors hope." —Booklist, starred review

"Elhillo creates a realistic picture of a teenage girl trying to push against unfair perceptions. Readers will appreciate the believable portrayal of a teen who is dealing with complex issues of family, friendship, and romantic love." —The Horn Book

"Told through emails, letters, and poetry in its many forms, Samira’s story becomes one to remember." —School Library Journal

"An achingly gorgeous novel in verse that explodes with emotion and heart."—Kim Johnson, bestselling author of This is My America and Invisible Son.

"Crackles with energy...In a word, gorgeous."—Samira Ahmed, New York Times bestselling author of Internment and Hollow Fires.

Amazing

I didn’t see what’s coming I didn’t expect it to be so close to home and so close to the heart, a quick reminder of our teenage years and the struggles that came with it .
Though I never grew up in the diaspora and remained home throughout my teenage years but a lot of elements resonated , a lot of scenes sounded familiar. Great work and every girl should have a read/listen to this book

Amazing

I’m speechless, this was soul touching for young girls in the literary world! Embarking on a journey of dream chasing and curiosity and still being obedient! It was an amazing read! I loved this!

AMAZING LIKE ALL HER WORK!

Just breathless powerful metamorphic loud and louder - the kind of loud we need to be yelled across the rooftops of the world!!!

The details

I felt every emotion the main character felt. Such A beautiful story with great description