24. Dirty Jersey by Phillip Thomas Duck

Dirty Jersey by Phillip Thomas Duck
ISBN: 100373830947
Kimani Press, New York, 2008
251 pages

Teaser: Eric is an awkward kid in high school, while his sister is cool and talented. When by accident Eric find himself with access to one of the coolest rapper groups around, his sister Kenya may fall victim to a bad boy rapper.

Summary: Eric and Kenya are opposites. He is quiet and reserved, while Kenya is friendly and outgoing. She also sings like a professional and dreams of hearing her voice on the radio. Eric finds himself in the back door of one of the most popular rappers around right now. Once Eric seems the way that Alonzo, rapper for Dirty Jersey operates, he knows his sister should stay away or become one of his next disposable girls. But Kenya won’t listen, she is impressed by the MTV, U-Tube and luxuries that money can buy and starts to go along for the ride. Kenya is impressed with the things Alonzo can do for her, or says he can to lure her into his dark world. Confused by romance and attention, Kenya finds herself falling for a bad boy. After catching Alonzo’s eye, Kenya may have bit parts singing and finds it sexy to be in a rapper video, but risks losing her talent as a true singer to the glitz and glamour of dress up and mirrors.

Evaluation: I liked the book. It was perhaps a peek into what may really happen when young impressionable kids get involved with thugs who can buy their way into just about anywhere they want and have whoever they want at their fingertips. Eric picks up quickly by watching and staying quiet that this is not the place to be, but also enjoys the cars, clothes, X-Box 360, I-Pod, phones and Hummer that he now had access to, thanks to Alonzo. What Eric doesn’t want if for Alonzo to add his sister to his list of conquests. Kenya has the talent to make it to the top in music, but not rapping. Eric steps away from all of the perks of riding the tails of Dirty Jersey’s success for his sister’s safety.

Challenge issues and age recommendation: Sex, drugs, guns and dirty rap music. I found the black rapper slang a bit hard to follow as well. I would recommend this book for readers 12 and up. It shows the risks of short cuts to success and the value of family and true friendships.