Caprice by Coe Booth
Twelve-year-old Caprice is concluding a seven week Summer Leadership Program at a prestigious girl's school in upstate New York. She has thrived in this academically challenging institution, impressing the faculty, and making new friends. Now she is offered a scholarship to enroll as a full-time student. It seems like a dream come true.
| There is one problem. A HUGE problem. On the last night of her summer program, an unexpected and unwelcome kiss triggers childhood memories. With painful clarity, Caprice begins to recall her history as a victim of sexual abuse. For years she has suppressed those memories. That coping mechanism is no longer working. She returns home, believing that reuniting with her parents and friends will ease her torment. Caprice spends her days at the local community center. She joins Express Yo’Self, a writers group, where her poetic talent blossoms and then takes the initiative to organize a Woman Group. When her grandmother is hospitalized, the family gathers at grandma's home in Baltimore, the site of her victimization. Memories associated with the bedroom where she will sleep are excruciating. Booth masterfully builds to the climactic scene that readers simultaneously hope for and dread. Caprice publicly confronts her abuser. |  |
Construction of the novel is one of its strengths. This story takes place within a week and consists of a running first person account interspersed with text messages and inner dialogue. Each time segment of Caprice’s week is introduced with one of her poems. A lot gets packed into a few days.
Caprice must decide if she will make a major life change. Should she remain at home with her supportive family, community, and best friend? Or should she accept this "once in a lifetime" educational opportunity? Caprice debates the question of familiarity and family versus the opportunity for new experiences and academic challenges. It’s a difficult choice. Caprice's decision is not revealed until the final pages.
Intended for a younger audience with a publisher’s suggested age range is 9 to 12 years, the narrative is intense and heart wrenching but avoids overly graphic descriptions. The focus here is on the heart and mind of a twelve-year-old girl. Booth's approach is honest while remainng sensitive to tween readers.
No one can tell a story like Booth. Although readers may have different life experiences from the protagonist, audiences of all ages will indentify with the universal desire to suppress painful secrets. Healing begins with acknowledging past wounds and reaching out to trusted individuals for support.
| Kudos to the cover artist. A careful examination of the portrait of Caprice reveals the light in her eyes is a silhouette of a girl. Bonus factoid: Definition of caprice. noun. a sudden, unpredictable change, as of one's mind. Source: Oxford Languages | |
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Background Reading
| Booth mentions two titles, written for adults, that add context to the story. Born a Crime, a memoir describes living with apartheid in South Africa. The one constant in his life is his mother. Breath, Eyes, Memory is a novel of a Haitian girl who returns to Haiti after living in New York. A story of trauma, violence, and conflicted relationships. |  |  |
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: May 17, 2022 Publisher: Scholastic ISBN: 978-0545933346
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