We Are the Scribes

September 5, 2022
A Black 16-year-old is spurred to action amid present-day political unrest when she’s visited by the ghost of an enslaved woman from the 1900s in this affecting novel from Pink (Angel of Greenwood). Reserved Ruth Fitz would rather write quietly in her journal than be in the spotlight, but attention is difficult to avoid when the rest of her family are prominent social rights activists; her mother is an Alabama senator, her father is an African American History professor, and her older sister Virginia is outspoken on social media. But Ruth’s life is thrown into disarray when Virginia dies during a protest, and mysterious parchment scrolls with the seal “We Are the Scribes,” sent by Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl author Harriet Jacobs (1813–1897), start arriving addressed to Ruth. Harriet’s letters provide comfort and courage as Ruth finds her voice, unites her grief-stricken family, honors her sister’s memory, and champions a better future for Black lives in America. Pink mindfully ruminates on the healing and lifesaving power of words, expertly highlighting Harriet’s experiences, as told in her autobiography, to reflect on Ruth’s tumultuous present. Ages 13–up. Agent: Marietta Zacker, Gallt and Zacker Literary.

December 1, 2022

Gr 9 Up-Ruth is a writer. She writes about everything she sees or does or feels as a Black girl, a daughter, a sister. All this changes after her sister's murder during a demonstration and her politician mother's nomination as vice president, which keeps her away from home for long periods. Ruth can no longer write and feels lost and alone. In the midst of her grief, she receives a scroll with a letter from someone named Harriett who tells Ruth about life as an enslaved woman and as a scribe. Through these letters, Ruth begins to overcome her sadness and finds strength she didn't know she had. This beautifully written book touches on so many issues, both political and familial, as Ruth struggles to find her place in unfamiliar situations. Pink has once again created a relatable character who overcomes obstacles not of her own making. The characters are well-developed and realistic. The situations related to Ruth's mother's role in the campaign, her father's reaction to the nomination, and the underlying grief all show resiliency. Harriet writes to Ruth in a cursive font that is difficult to read and which many readers have not been taught. This could be detrimental to the book being enjoyed. VERDICT If YA patrons can read cursive writing, this book is highly recommended for all collections.-Janet Hilbun

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