Book Review: Last Summer On State Street by Toya Wolfe

Last Summer on State Street by Toya Wolfe is a coming-of-age novel set in Chicago’s housing projects during a pivotal summer in 1999. It follows Felicia “FeFe" Stevens, who lives in building 4950 of Robert Taylor Homes with her mother and brother, as they await the demolition of their high-rise.

FeFe and her friends, Precious and Stacia, have formed a tight-knit trio and plan to spend their summer playing Double Dutch. When FeFe adds Tonya to their group, the dynamics shift, sparking a series of events.

I appreciate Wolfe's ability to capture the bittersweet transition from carefree childhood to the heavy decisions that come with aging. This book explores themes such as friendship, grief, and the inevitability of change.

I read this book in February and could not put it down. I really felt for FeFe as she tried to keep her friends together.

I was surprised to learn that this is Toya Wolfe's debut novel. I'm looking forward to reading her other works in the future.