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Buckhanon, Kalisha. Upstate: A Novel. New York, St. Martin's Press, c 2005. Print.

Awards: ALA Alex Awards-2006
               Best Books for Young Adults-2006

Annotation:  Antonio is sent to prison and his girlfriend says she will love and support him while he is in prison.





Book Talk: One action can set in motion many things. Antonio, 17 years old, turns himself in for murdering his father. He receives a 10 year sentence for the crime. His girlfriend Natasha supports him by writing letters to him. She claims she loves him and will wait for him when he gets out. Through their correspondence with each other, the story unfolds, their hopes, dreams and growth as individuals is revealed every year. Does Natasha stay with Antonio or does she move on to a better life?


Theme: Street Literature, Urban Literature