Get Ready To Push

Claireece Precious Jones, known as Precious, was 12 when she had her first baby. To her father. She is 16 when she has her second. Her mother beats her because she is jealous. Precious receives an A in English even though she is illiterate. The principal tells her teacher to just “focus on the ones who can learn.” So Precious is shuffled through the Harlem school system, unable to read.

Precious’ sad story of falling through the cracks in every system is told in her own heartbreaking voice. How can one teenage girl be unlucky enough to have to deal with incest, HIV, and life in one of Harlem’s most dangerous neighborhoods? If you’re brave enough to take an unflinching look at just how rough life can get, read Sapphire’s novel Push.

For those who have already read Push, it is soon to be released as the movie Precious (2009 Sundance Film Festival winner), backed by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, and featuring Mo’Nique as Precious’ mother. Check out the trailer:

Sara Dora CLP-Hazelwood

September in Hazelwood

Well, we had a massive turnout of 22 people for Wii gaming yesterday, so keep it coming!

Here’s what else is going on:

September 18th at 4:30 p.m. Beading (make a bracelet, necklace, or a tag for your backpack or purse)

September 25th at 4:30 p.m. Book Discussion (snacks and a discussion of the novel Push by Sapphire)

September 27th at 8:30 a.m. Hazelwood Clean Up Day (if you can get up really early, we have extra computer time and pizza as your reward for helping the community)

Sara Dora CLP-Hazelwood