Obviously

July 15, 2019
Comedian and YouTube celebrity Hughes takes readers on a hilariously intimate journey into her world. Beginning with her childhood in Kentucky and ending in New York City as she conquers the world of YouTube, Hughes shares stories of spelling bee successes, raccoon infestations, and a cheerleading fail, none of which she allowed to deter her from her dreams of one day becoming as famous as Oprah, someone she admires for what she does to support others. Sprinkled throughout these laugh-out-loud accounts, Hughes keeps it real with autobiographical essays that touch on her absent father and the pain of being a child in a classroom taught by a hostile, racist teacher. Many teens will relate to everything she shares about acne, eating disorders, self-esteem, and body positivity, not to mention tales of besties and breakups, as she leaves childhood behind and barrels toward the world of adulthood. When things go badly as Hughes overcomes a serious health scare, readers will want to fight right alongside her. These essays read like warm conversations with an older cousin. The readable format provides helpful advice--sandwiched between love and laughter--on growing up. Whether they have heard of her before or not, young people will root for this young African American comedian as she navigates life's challenges. The short chapters and chatty style make this an appealing choice for reluctant readers. Engaging. (Memoir. 13-adult)

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September 1, 2019

Gr 9 Up-Hughes's take on life is practical and ambitious, frequently vulnerable yet simultaneously assertive. It's not simple to get an easy read on the author, which makes these essays refreshing and engaging, much like Hughes herself. From descriptions of designing a tutorial for black guys dating white girls, to directions on how to get to New York on a budget, to an explanation of how to make a YouTube video, Hughes's tone is confessional, often conspiratorial, and she holds little back. Young adults will relate to her realness, with descriptions of pimple popping, issues with food, and the lists of scenarios that make her anxious. She is a keen detector of irony and her humor never feels formulaic, qualities which adolescent readers will appreciate. Teen readers are bound to respect Hughes's impressive social media prowess and pop culture credibility. While the language is strong in many places, and there is an (perhaps tongue-in-cheek) encouragement to drink excessively at karaoke, for a solid role model in terms of drive, wit, and confidence, look no further. VERDICT Hughes presents a charming and surprising essay collection. Give to avid YouTube fans or to any young person who could glean inspiration from her gumption, humor, and self-assurance.-Melissa Williams, Berwick Academy, ME

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 2, 2019
Through 30 candid essays, Hughes, a comedian, writer, and social media influencer, spotlights the tumultuous experience of growing up black, female, and gifted. In “The Little Cheerleader That Couldn’t,” Hughes recounts a wrenching failure to become a cheerleader in grade school, despite encouragement and some natural ability, concluding, “It turns out you can be excellent, objectively, at any number of things, and life will come in hot with the unfairness.” Detailing a mutual vendetta between herself and her fifth-grade teacher, Hughes confronts the question asked by many kids growing up black in a frequently hostile world: Is it because I’m black? Funny, bittersweet, thought-provoking, and deeply sobering, Hughes’s narrative reconstructs countless memories of a childhood spent exploring “band, speech, and drama,” sports, and more to become as “well-rounded” as her mother wanted her and her siblings to be. She also includes sparse recollections of an unsympathetic, unlamented father; a young adulthood spent overcoming setbacks to realize her rapidly coalescing dreams; and the illness that almost stopped those dreams cold. Though primarily aimed at established Hughes fans, anyone facing difficult odds, or those seeking a career in entertainment, will glean much from this collection. Ages 14–up.

September 1, 2019
Grades 8-11 While books by YouTubers are well represented in the marketplace, the lack of diversity in this category is notable. This memoir by YouTuber, comedian, and activist Hughes aims to rectify this problem while addressing issues faced by young and gifted women of color attempting to find their footing in places not inclined to make room for them. From a childhood in Kentucky to college, a Disney internship, and an audacious move to New York City, Hughes recounts the ups and downs of living a creator's life with wit and charm, with plenty of youthful high jinks, mild rule breaking, and life lessons along the way. Hughes is unafraid to share even her most cringe-worthy moments (an entire chapter is dedicated to embarrassing run-ins with celebrities), and each anecdote imparts practical advice for breaking into an industry that can seem to work without rhyme or reason. Hughes' lively, humorous memoir is a fast, enjoyable read and indispensable for young people wanting to become YouTube famous or make their way into the performing arts without losing their individuality.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)