Literature & Fiction
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The Weight of Blood
New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson ramps up the horror and tackles America's history and legacy of racism in this suspenseful YA novel following a biracial teenager as her Georgia high school hosts its first integrated prom. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and a Kids' Indie Next List Pick!
When Springville residents-at least the ones still alive-are questioned about what happened on prom night, they all have the same explanation . . . Maddy did it.
An outcast at her small-town Georgia high school, Madison Washington has always been a teasing target for bullies. And she's dealt with it because she has more pressing problems to manage. Until the morning a surprise rainstorm reveals her most closely kept secret: Maddy is biracial. She has been passing for white her entire life at the behest of her fanatical white father, Thomas Washington.
After a viral bullying video pulls back the curtain on Springville High's racist roots, student leaders come up with a plan to change their image: host the school's first integrated prom as a show of unity. The popular white class president convinces her Black superstar quarterback boyfriend to ask Maddy to be his date, leaving Maddy wondering if it's possible to have a normal life.
But some of her classmates aren't done with her just yet. And what they don't know is that Maddy still has another secret . . . one that will cost them all their lives.
When Springville residents-at least the ones still alive-are questioned about what happened on prom night, they all have the same explanation . . . Maddy did it.
An outcast at her small-town Georgia high school, Madison Washington has always been a teasing target for bullies. And she's dealt with it because she has more pressing problems to manage. Until the morning a surprise rainstorm reveals her most closely kept secret: Maddy is biracial. She has been passing for white her entire life at the behest of her fanatical white father, Thomas Washington.
After a viral bullying video pulls back the curtain on Springville High's racist roots, student leaders come up with a plan to change their image: host the school's first integrated prom as a show of unity. The popular white class president convinces her Black superstar quarterback boyfriend to ask Maddy to be his date, leaving Maddy wondering if it's possible to have a normal life.
But some of her classmates aren't done with her just yet. And what they don't know is that Maddy still has another secret . . . one that will cost them all their lives.
Editorial Reviews
"Jackson's expert reshaping of this tale highlights the genuine horrors of both internalized and externalized anti-Blackness. Horror done right." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Jackson skillfully explores internalized and externalized anti-Blackness in this striking horror novel. Bone-chilling. Expertly utiliz[es] current true-crime fanaticism to form a powerfully socially conscious narrative that showcases the intense structural racism still inherent in society." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Jackson's nod to Stephen King's Carrie incorporates racially charged social justice themes into a narrative featuring her signature twisty suspense. Supernatural portions of the book are explosive and riveting, with the racist realistic parts are even more horrifying. Readers will be hooked from page one of Maddy's intense journey that detonates on prom night." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"This reimagining of King's Carrie is a thrilling, unflinching horror narrative that takes on colorism, racism, classism, microaggressions, white saviorism, and respectability politics." - The Horn Book
"Smart and unsettling retelling of Carrie." - Booklist
PRAISE FOR WHITE SMOKE: "Jackson conjures horrors both supernatural and otherwise in a masterful juxtaposition of searing social commentary and genuinely creepy haunts, as well as providing an authentic portrayal of tensions within a blended family. Begs to be finished in one sitting, though maybe with the lights kept on." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Jackson delivers multilayered frights in a true horror tradition, peppered with instantly recognizable references to urban legends and internet horror culture." - Publishers Weekly
"The nuanced depiction of Mari's struggle with mental health is emotionally resonant; the story of a mostly Black city nearly wiped out by draconian drug laws and gentrification is authentic and timely; and the simmering tension and jump scares make the horror element satisfyingly chilling... Jackson ticks off the best tropes of horror here with enthusiastic glee, and Ms. Suga will...
"Jackson skillfully explores internalized and externalized anti-Blackness in this striking horror novel. Bone-chilling. Expertly utiliz[es] current true-crime fanaticism to form a powerfully socially conscious narrative that showcases the intense structural racism still inherent in society." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Jackson's nod to Stephen King's Carrie incorporates racially charged social justice themes into a narrative featuring her signature twisty suspense. Supernatural portions of the book are explosive and riveting, with the racist realistic parts are even more horrifying. Readers will be hooked from page one of Maddy's intense journey that detonates on prom night." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"This reimagining of King's Carrie is a thrilling, unflinching horror narrative that takes on colorism, racism, classism, microaggressions, white saviorism, and respectability politics." - The Horn Book
"Smart and unsettling retelling of Carrie." - Booklist
PRAISE FOR WHITE SMOKE: "Jackson conjures horrors both supernatural and otherwise in a masterful juxtaposition of searing social commentary and genuinely creepy haunts, as well as providing an authentic portrayal of tensions within a blended family. Begs to be finished in one sitting, though maybe with the lights kept on." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Jackson delivers multilayered frights in a true horror tradition, peppered with instantly recognizable references to urban legends and internet horror culture." - Publishers Weekly
"The nuanced depiction of Mari's struggle with mental health is emotionally resonant; the story of a mostly Black city nearly wiped out by draconian drug laws and gentrification is authentic and timely; and the simmering tension and jump scares make the horror element satisfyingly chilling... Jackson ticks off the best tropes of horror here with enthusiastic glee, and Ms. Suga will...
Readers Top Reviews
Chelsea C.
As a fan of the movie Carrie, I loved this book. I am a huge fan of Ms. Jackson, and she did not disappoint. I was so ready to see what was going to happen next. It’s a modern day twist to a horror classic. I can’t wait for her next book to release! I own every book she has ever written, and I haven’t been disappointed yet.
Mandy K
This book was scary and I absolutely loved it! It touches on serious topics such a racism, police brutality, and bullying. I’ve read several of this author’s books and loved every single one, but I think this one may be my favorite!
ShaLayla
This book is on the way to meStat! I should probably wait to actually read it to write my review and I will come back and update, HOWEVA- I already know this book is about to be fire! Tiffany D. Jackson has taken the suspense genre by storm with White Smoke and the way she balance the realities of social injustice with fiction, I don't feel like I lose joy or become drained. I am educated, empowered and entertained! Black women deserve that! Heavy laden is not a description I own for myself. Plus TDJ's pen is FIRE! I already know my update will simply say- "Yup, I was right; she did again!"
Diddy
This gripping story put me through a lot of emotions, I loved it from start to finish; I hope there’s a sequel coming, because I have some questions that still need some answers. I highly recommend this book you’ll love it.
John Rogers Clark IV
As the author notes in the back of the book, this is a homage to Stephen King, and it's a dandy. Reminiscent of Carrie, only transported to a small, racist town in Georgia, this has a perfect blend of creepiness, gore, and empathy for the main character. Add in an ending that's ambiguous (allowing and encouraging readers to create their own) and you have a pure treat for horror fans of any age.
