Dancehall Rebel
by Stacey Robinson
A teen shares her dad’s vibrant Caribbean musical legacy but is burdened by the homophobia that comes along with it. She needs to find a new path for the music and for herself.
Dancehall DJÂ portrays a Caribbean Canadian teen challenging the ongoing legacy of homophobia in her musical and cultural community.Â
Denise is a Toronto teen who was raised on Jamaican dancehall music by her dad, a leading local DJ. Denise has aspirations to follow in her dad’s footsteps, but there’s a problem: Denise identifies as queer, and the music she loves, and her family, are often homophobic. But when she moves to Ottawa for first year university school, she finds a community of like-minded kids who love and cherish both music and diversity.
About the Author
Born in Toronto and guided by her Jamaican heritage, Stacey Robinson is a communications specialist, entertainment enthusiast and music lover. Her studies in communications brought her to Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, where she trained as a journalist before returning home to Scarborough, where she currently resides. Stacey’s creative content highlights contemporary Black Canadian life and Caribbean culture across the Diaspora; she has also produced several literary events and workshops for writers. Stacey enjoys playing the piano and guitar, attending music festivals and concerts, Caribbean carnivals, and supporting independent artists and DJs.
Reviews
Robinson has taken on a big challenge by exploring this conflict and all the emotional nuances her characters are facing.
Robinson’s language and descriptions of the dual worlds Denise navigates as a first-generation Canadian are authentic in this work with reluctant reader appeal that explores important themes relating to family, community, and identity… An accessible, realistic cross-cultural coming-of-age novel about seeking a balance between tradition and change.
Subjects (BISAC)
Subjects
Similar Titles
-
Losing Hit Points
After Rumour came out as trans, Journey—her best friend—dropped her. When a D&D game brings them face-to-face, Journey must confront their shame and their suppressed romantic feelings
$16.95, PaperbackInterest ages: 13-18Reading level: Grade 3Lexile Reading Level: HL670L