When it became clear that I would need a transplant, I returned to Cleveland. It was the only place where I knew love was waiting for me, which is what I needed most. I’ll never forget the look in my parents’ eyes when I returned from my travels, battered but not defeated. “Ecka back,” they said. No other words were needed. My mother and father remain the only true home I have ever had in this world. Spending this precious time with them has given me so much joy through the strife. To my parents: may your forthcoming days be long and full for my and Lee’s sake.

I will be thirty-seven by the time this book is released. The most important lesson I have learned so far is to give it your all, but be prepared to surrender to the great mystery of life. It cannot be controlled no matter how hard you try. Trust me, I tried really hard.

To my sweet kitty, Baba Baby, whose gentle and steady spirit has anchored me through the chaos, suit up: the next mission awaits.

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About the Author

ECHO BROWN

ECHO BROWN is the award-winning author of Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard, which was named a William C. Morris Award Finalist, an SLJ Best Book of the Year, a New York Public Library Best Book of the Year, and a Rise: A Feminist Book Project Selection, among other honors. A performer and playwright, Echo created the acclaimed one-woman show Black Virgins Are Not for Hipsters. She is a Dartmouth alumna and the first female college graduate in her family. She invites you to visit her at echobrown.com.

Praise for

Black Girl Unlimited:
The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard

A William C. Morris Award Finalist

An SLJ Best Book of the Year

A NYPL Best Book of the Year

Rise: A Feminist Book Project List Selection

A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection

A BCCB Blue Ribbon Title

A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year

★ “With the nods to Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, and Alice Walker.… This revelatory YA book deserves space on shelves for its healing power for all readers to break the chains of intergenerational pain and trauma.”

—SLJ, starred review

“A guidebook of survival and wonder.”

—The New York Times

“Just brilliant.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“This story marks the arrival of a bold new literary imagination.”

—Esquire

“This is a story of Black girl magic, trauma and healing, learning to save oneself, connection and forgiveness, and given and chosen family.”

—Book Riot