Tutored

Tutored

by Allison Whittenberg

How would you write Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet today, including cultural characteristics and social complexities? Just to add a little edge try changing the setting to Philadelphia, PA instead of Verona, Italy. Allison Whittenberg wrote a great novel by following these guidelines. Tutored is an edgy story about a star-crossed couple from opposite ends of the spectrum—socially, financially, opportunely… everything.

Wendy Anderson is a 16 year-old high-school student living in an upscale neighbourhood and dreams of attending medical school at Howard University. When she is not studying, she volunteers at an inner-city community center by tutoring the students at the alternate education school. Her father is very strict and does not want Wendy to associate with people from the ghetto after he fought very hard to get out. He takes an extreme view against “those people” and even prohibits Wendy from applying to historically black colleges. Wendy, however, believes that race is more than just skin colour and demonstrates pride of her culture. She seeks out ways to help people in need, and always tries to keep an open mind rather than immediately judging people like her father.

Hakiam Powell, however, is a high-school dropout who has been in trouble with the law. After his mother abandoned him, Hakiam lived in foster care. He decided to move from Ohio to Philadelphia for a fresh start, but found the city’s brotherly love reputation to be just a myth. Hakiam is forced to take care of his cousin’s premature baby for no pay, and finds himself constantly battling his cousin over small things like providing enough food for the household. With no history of legal employment, Hakiam struggles to make ends meet and finds it difficult to stay out of trouble. In an attempt to better his life, he decides to join an alternative high-school diploma program at the local community centre. While registering for classes he runs into a pretentious snob named Wendy… 

What will happen when the worlds of these two extremely different teenagers collide? 

Tutored features strong, intelligent characters that face real problems in today’s society. Both must overcome social pressures and prejudice in order to pursue their dreams. The dialogue is smart and witty while the narrative subtly teaches valuable lessons about strength and tolerance. 

Allison Whittenberg is an established young adult author from Philadelphia, PA. Her books all include strong characters who are of a visible minority. Her other books include Sweet Thang, Life is Fine, and Hollywood & Maine. If you like novels by authors like Varian Johnson, William Nicholson and Sharon G. Flake, you will enjoy Allison Whittenberg too!