Books like No Laughter Here by Rita Williams-Garcia
In the vibrant streets of Queens, Akilah and Victoria—two girls with different birthplaces—share a bond that feels unbreakable. After Victoria travels to Nigeria for a traditional coming‑of‑age ceremony, she comes home noticeably altered: she sits slouched, answers questions quietly, and has stopped laughing with her friend. The story explores how cultural rites and personal growth can shift friendships, highlighting themes of identity, tradition, and the challenges of growing up as African Americans in an urban school setting.
First publish date: January 23, 2007
Genre: Coming of Age/Teen Coming of Age
Authors: Rita Williams-Garcia
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