Words by Heart — Ouida Sebestyen

"Hoping to make her adored Papa proud of her and make her white classmates notice her ""Magic Mind"" and not her black skin, Lena vows to win the Bible-quoting contest. Winning does not bring Lena what she expected. Instead of honor, violence and death erupt and strike the one she loves most dearly. Lena, who has believed in vengeance, must now learn how to forgive. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults. ""School Library Journal"" Best Book of the Year. A ""Booklist"" Reviewers' Choice"