I am so happy to share that #TheDavenports has made the Indie Best Sellers List! 😆 Thank you @Indiebound & @penguinteen for your support! This story of four strong young Black women would not have reached so many readers without Indie booksellers! Thank you so much! 💛
THE DAVENPORTS is an @nytimes bestseller! Debuting on the list is an absolute wildest dream come true!! This began as a journey to write the book I wanted to read. Along the way, it became the story I wish I had as a young reader. One a younger me needed and I’m so happy to share it with you! 💛💛💛
Gr 8 Up–Set in 1910, this novel offers readers a glimpse inside the lives of a wealthy Black family from Chicago, the titular Davenports. This novel centers around three teens in the family: Olivia, John, and Helen, along with their friends and associates. Debut author Marquis weaves the characters’ stories in such a way that leaves readers anticipating the next chapter each time.
This book includes romance, politics, activism, family relationships, and the journey from childhood to adulthood. Will the characters get married to please their parents? Will they follow their own dreams and interests? Growing up means discovering who you are and sometimes making painful decisions. The author’s skilled descriptions give readers a real connection to the characters. This is a well-written novel, sure to please fans of historical fiction, romance, and Chicago history. Young adults and adults alike will learn from and enjoy this novel.
VERDICT: Recommended for all collections. —April Crowder
School Library Journal
Join me Wednesday, January 11th and 7pm to discuss The Davenports with River Bend Bookshop‘s Kaitee Tredway!
It will be a lovely (spoiler free) chat about swoony romances, dynamic young women, and an overlooked era of Black history.
The event is free, but registration is required. You can find the link below. AND you can pre-order your signed and personalized copy of The Davenports with your ticket or through the River Bend website.
I am so incredibly excited that the American Booksellers Association has chosen The Davenports to be the Kid’s Indie Next No. 1 Pick for Jan./Feb. 💛 Independent booksellers create a safe space for booklovers and ideas that cannot be stressed enough. They allow expression and curiosity to grow and are instrumental in getting books into the hands of readers. Thank you so much @americanbooksellers and @penguinteen for championing #thedavenports! Thank you, Gabriella, for the lovely blurb! I am truly honored.
Krystal Marquis 