“The Moulite sisters have written a powerful narrative. One of loss, grief, acceptance, and obsession this remarkable novel is an unstoppable force. The interwoven time-lines, the unforgettable characters, both past and present, the harrowing journey seamlessly brought together, pitching readers head first into the depths of racism where the meaning of one of the good ones becomes more and more clear.”
Cecelia Beckman, Sheaf & Ink
The Story
Kezi Smith, a high school senior who asks the question “ISN’T BEING HUMAN ENOUGH?” As a teen activist and connoisseur of history, Kezi is determined to do more for her family and her community. On her birthday she attends a social justice rally where things go drastically wrong.
After the death of their sister, Happi and Genny embark on a journey across America Kezi had prepared for them before her death. One that will help Happi come closer to a sister she thought she never knew and the people she loved while uncovering truths that will have them all forever changed.
My Review: One of the Good Ones
I need a moment to recover.
As I raced towards the end of One of the Good Ones, my mind seemed to have forgotten the tagline “The Hate U Give meets Get Out in an honest and powerful exploration of prejudice in this stunning novel from sister-writer duo Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite, authors of Dear Haiti, Love Alaine.”
Maika and Maritza Moulite perfectly entrap me in Kezi’s story that I literally forgot about the Get Out reference. Make no mistake, even with the plot twist I did not see coming, I could not put One of the Good Ones down.
There are so many layers to this story. Beautiful and frightening. Painful and hopeful. Exploring identity, bigotry, history and family all of these threads in the tapestry of this novel was one that radiated. It implored the reader to truly see the image of what it means to be a Black woman in America.
More Thoughts
One of the Good Ones will have you feeling a myriad of emotions all within a sentence, a paragraph, the entire novel. I found myself at times flushed with anger over the blatant racism. It made my stomach hurt, the visceral feeling as the pages blurred, the anger becoming more apparent. How I wanted to reach into those moments and scream at the deeply rooted racism paraded around as standard.
And there were those moments that pulled you into despair. Where you begin to ask how do you make up for a lifetime of hurt and misunderstanding? How can sisters continue when a part of them is now missing in the puzzle that makes them whole?
A Few More Thoughts
Happi’s feelings throughout are ones that are most brilliant. They are a rainbow of colors we as readers can all relate too: confusion, uncertainty, moments of clarity, understanding, and hope.
In a word One of the Good Ones is exceptional.
Maika and Maritza Moulite are adept authors, narrating stories that add to the beauty, joy, and history of the Black community.
A book to read over and over and to be shared with book lovers across the globe.
Read this book.
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
RATING: 
– Exceptionally Inked
Author: Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Publication Date: January, 2021
Pages: 384
ISBN-10: 133514580X
ISBN-13: 978-1335145802
Audience: 13 and up
Jacket Art: unknown at this time
Jacket Design: unknown at this time
Similar Books to One of the Good Ones Recommended by Sheaf and Ink
Dear Haiti Love Alaine, Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
The Silence of Bones, June Hur
Need More Book Recommendations?
Sheaf & Ink has reviewed a number of Young Adult novels in contemporary fiction like One of the Good Ones. Read This is My America and Clap When You Land reviews to find your next favorite book and join the conversation. We love hearing from you.
