A Different Beat
Overview & Summary
Jessie, a talented Black sixth-grader studying acting at a competitive Oakland performing arts middle school, must navigate a rivalry with a fair-skinned classmate that forces both girls to confront painful questions about colorism and identity within the Black community. Balancing a demanding schedule, a biased teacher, and family pressures, Jessie has to learn to rely on her own sense of self. Candy Dawson Boyd's novel is a candid, contemporary story about race, self-esteem, and artistic ambition.
Available Formats
- Paperback
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Who This Book Is For
Recommended for Middle school students (Grades 6–8) working on English Literature. Fits students building reading confidence, vocabulary, and strong comprehension.
Why CE Recommends This Book
Selected for Academic Enrichment & Readiness. Pushing slightly beyond standard classroom expectations, this title widens vocabulary, supports steady Lexile growth, and builds the academic rigor needed for advanced middle and high school courses.
