Book Review: The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson

It's safe to say I’m a fan of Tiffany D. Jackson’s work. I’ve read "Let Me Hear a Rhyme," "Monday’s Not Coming," and now I can add "The Weight of Blood" to my list.

I was hesitant to read this book. It draws inspiration from the movie “Carrie,” and as someone who gets scared easily, I was unsure how my experience would go.

Despite my reservations, I'm happy I finally read this book. 

The story centers around Maddy Washington, a misfit with powers living in the small town of Springville in 2014. Maddy is biracial, with a Black mother and a white father. She is raised by her deeply religious father, who isolates her from the world. To pass as white, Maddy straightens her hair and avoids water to maintain her secret. However, one day, she gets caught in the rain, exposing her true identity and sparking a viral video that reveals not just Maddy's race but also the underlying racism in Springville.

In the aftermath, the school decides to host its first integrated prom. Kenny, the popular Black quarterback, is convinced by his girlfriend to ask Maddy to be his date. During this time, Maddy learns more about her powers and begins taking control of her life. 

Just as things seem to be looking up for Maddy, some students plot to use the prom as an opportunity to humiliate her further.

The true horror of this story lies not in jump scares or suspense but in its commentary on race in America. The terror comes from recognizing that communities like Springville still exist today, that Maddy's struggle to conform to white beauty standards is a reality for many, and that oppressive norms are often maintained under the guise of tradition. This story serves as a reminder of the persistent and pervasive nature of racism in our society.

Once again, Tiffany D. Jackson tells a moving and impactful story. She truly does not miss