Jayla Jumps In Book Review

Jayla Jumps In 

By Joy Jones

Expected publication: September 2020

Mom's Review

I want to jump rope! Jayla Jumps In is not just a story about an 11-year-old finding herself and her place in her family, it is an ode to Double-Dutch. (That is when two people turn two large ropes for  jumpers in the middle. Google videos or go to Jones's website.) Jones's love for the sport and appreciation for its far-reaching benefits is palpable; no surprise that her Double-Dutch team inspired the book!

But about Jayla Jumps In – Jayla is 11, an only child, and upset that her favorite older relative is about to get married. She feels ignored by her family and jealous of her cousin, Shontessa, who seems to have it all. Learning to jump Double-Dutch provides her with a way to connect with her family and make a place for herself.  This middle-grade novel explores themes of family and identity, empowers young readers to accept themselves, and encourages children to persevere in the face of difficulty. T has been asking me about what I've been reading, and he says that it sounds really good and that he wants to read it when he is older.

Jones is a Black author writing about a Black girl whose interests mirror her own. It's easy for this white reader to identify with Jayla – her experiences with her family and as a pre-teen are universal.  But specific features of the novel highlight and celebrate her specific experience.  Perhaps because race is forefront on my mind these days, I am more attuned to these aspects of the book.  Jayla Jumps In is a realistic and positive #ownvoices narrative of one young girl's experience. I want to put this in the hands of middle grade girls and boys (yes, boys jump Double-Dutch, too!).

Note: A review copy was provided by Albert Whitman and Company in exchange for an honest review.