Every Body Looking

Plot Summary: The story follows Ada as she graduates high school and begins college at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University).  Ada has hardly ever been able to make her own decisions. Her parents are separated and growing up her life revolved around them and their struggles. At the college, Ada gets involved with various activities, but the dance program is what catches her attention. As she progresses through her freshman year, as well as experiences flashbacks to growing up, she uses dance to learn about herself, her relationship with her body, and relationships with others.

Ada is an 18-year-old who attends a Historically Black College. She has been interested in dance since her father, an immigrant from Nigeria showed her Nigerian cultural dances. In high school, and now in college, Ada has become interested in more modern types of dance. Ada's relationship with her mother is strained throughout the book. Her mother thinks that Ada doesn't call her enough while Ada thinks her mother is controlling and uses her to allow her mother's addictions.

Author Background: Candice Iloh, like Ada, is Nigerian-American. She attended Howard University and Lesley University. She has an MFA and teaches art and writing to youth (Good Reads, n.d.)

Critical Evaluation: Every Body Looking is a book that packs a lot into a relatively short read. The themes of abuse, addiction, and co-dependent relationships are deeply integrated into the poems in the book (Good Reads, n.d.). I liked the book. Some of the chapters, or poem flashbacks, were confusing as to where they fit into the arch of the story. However, in general they fit together. 

Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: Ada is now in college. As she explores her new found freedom she learns things about herself, relationships, and her love of dance.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: Every Body Looking deals with how others see Black female bodies. Sometimes people see women's bodies as inherently sexual and taboo. However, everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their own skin. Looking at other people as objects is inappropriate, the people themselves are not.

Reason for Inclusion: Teens need to learn about themselves and who they are. Hobbies and interests are an integral part of that learning. This book shows the process of one person learning and using their passion to learn about who they were.