"When I was asked to read A Tree Without Roots I did it because my mentor asked me to. I wasn’t clear about the topic or the plot but I was willing to read it. I was engaged from the opening scene. The author, Ms. Willis, describes Jasmine’s experience trying to press her hair with a hot comb. I was immediately taken back to the times when I was willing to suffer through the pain just so that I could have beautiful straight hair. This is just one example of how Ms. Willis captures the emotions that young black girls experience on a daily basis. The name calling, shaming and straight up hate is like a rite of passage. Not only does the author accurately portray the external experiences of Black girls, she even more accurately captures the internal conversation and emotional ups and downs that we experience. In Jasmine, we experience disconnect, loneliness, self-doubt and at the same time, we experience Jasmine’s creativity, artistry and strength. This is the journey of Black girls.
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I loved, loved, loved Ms. Ervin’s class. The author shared history in way that was fun and inspiring and uplifting.  Whenever the students were in Ms. Ervin’s class, I felt as if I was also in the classroom. Many of my questions about minorities were answered. Every student should have an educational experience like this one."
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~ Kellie, 17