Ida, in Love and in Trouble

Gr 7-10–This novel opens with the main character, a Black woman, in an opera house, sitting where she is legally required to because of her race. When the lights dim, she moves forward, knowing she will have a better view and has little worry of being caught. This carefully crafted opening scene allows readers to know who Ida B. Wells is. It sets the stage for the rest of the novel; Ida is a woman who seeks to enjoy life while pushing the boundaries of what was allowed for members of her race and gender in the 1880s. Readers see her as both a young woman trying to find love and happiness and as a political advocate for persons of color and women. Chambers gives readers a glimpse into what these goals cost Ida, as well as the gifts it granted her. The novel also reminds readers that Wells was a woman, not just a political advocacy hero. It shares her love of literature and performance and gives insight into her interest in what is deemed “womanly concerns,” most specifically nice clothing and shopping. The inclusion of these facets gives readers an understanding of Wells as a whole person. There is a bit of jumping in time and omittance of details that create some gaps, which could be challenging for readers who are not familiar with the time period or Wells. This novel's text is in keeping with the vocabulary of the time; without a glossary or in-text context, it could be challenging for some teens.