American Street

On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie—a good life.

But after they leave Port-au-Prince, -Haiti, Fabiola’s mother is detained by U.S. immi-gration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, -Chantal, -Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of -Detroit’s west side; a new school; and a -surprising -romance, all on her own.

Just as she finds her footing in this strange new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an -impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream?

In her stunning debut, Pushcart--nominated author Ibi Zoboi draws on her own experience as a young Haitian immigrant, infusing this lyrical exploration of -America with magical realism and Vodou culture. Unflinching yet filled with joy, American Street is an evocative and -powerful coming-of-age story.