50 pages • 1 hour read
Ibi ZoboiAmerican Street
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
American Street follows Fabiola, a teenage Haitian immigrant, who moves to Detroit to live with her cousins after her mother is detained by immigration authorities. Fabiola struggles to adjust to American culture, forms close bonds with her family, and falls in love, only to face difficult choices and harsh realities as she tries to secure her mother’s release. The book deals with issues including detention, drug-related violence, and the death of a young person.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ibi Zoboi's American Street is lauded for its rich, evocative storytelling and authentic portrayal of a Haitian immigrant's experience in Detroit. Reviewers praise its heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience but note occasional pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it's heralded as a poignant, thought-provoking debut that resonates deeply with readers.
Who Should Read American Street?
Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with rich cultural contexts and complex family dynamics, similar to those in The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, will be captivated by Ibi Zoboi's American Street. This novel appeals to fans of immigrant narratives, social justice themes, and diverse voices.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsBook Details
Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal
Relationships: Family
Realistic Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Magical Realism