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PRAISE FOR THE DRAMA HIGH SERIES
“The teen drama is center-court Compton, with enough plots and sub-plots to fill a few episodes of any reality show.”
—Ebony magazine on Drama High: Courtin’ Jayd
“You’ll definitely feel for Jayd Jackson, the bold sixteen-year-old Compton, California, junior at the center of keep-it-real Drama High stories.”
—Essence magazine on Drama High: Jayd’s Legacy
“Edged with comedy and a provoking street-savvy plot line, Compton native and Drama High author L. Divine writes a fascinating story capturing the voice of young black America.”
—The Cincinnati Herald on the Drama High Series
“Filled with all the elements that make for a good book—young love, non-stop drama and a taste of the supernatural, it is sure to please.”
—THE RAWSISTAZ Reviewers on Drama High: The Fight
“…A captivating look at teen life.”
—Harriet Klausner on Drama High: The Fight
“If you grew up on a steady diet of saccharine Sweet Valley novels and think there aren’t enough books specifically for African American teens, you’re in luck.”
—Prince George’s Sentinel on Drama High: The Fight
“Through a healthy mix of book smarts, life experiences, and down-to-earth flavor, L. Divine has crafted a well-nuanced coming-of-age tale for African-American youth.”
—The Atlanta Voice on Drama High: The Fight
“Drama High has it all…fun, fast, addictive.”
—Cara Lockwood, bestselling author of Moby Clique
Also by L. Divine
THE FIGHT
SECOND CHANCE
JAYD’S LEGACY
FRENEMIES
LADY J
COURTIN’ JAYD
HUSTLIN’
KEEP IT MOVIN’
HOLIDAZE
Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation
Drama High, Vol. 10
CULTURE CLASH
L. Divine
http://www.kensingtonbooks.com
To my stepmother, Enola Thompson-Logan, who always sent me home with something sweet to eat. And to my stepfather, Ricky Haskin, who always brought us groceries when he was courting my mother. The universe has blessed me twice with stepparents who love me like their own child. You both are a blessing, and I am eternally grateful for your love and support.
And a very special thank-you to Lauren Cherrington, a good friend of my mother’s who let me sleep on her couch when my daughter and I needed a place to stay. Your generosity helped us through a very difficult period, and for that I will always be grateful. To our midwives: Jane and Sheila. We were from very different cultures and backgrounds, but our present is the same. I can’t thank you enough for your compassion, patience, and open hearts. And to Lana Brown, for being the most sincere homegirl I’ve known in a long, long time. Welcome to mamahood, Ms. Brown!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
To my publisher, Dafina/Kensington—thank you for your continued faith in the series. Ten down, thirty-four to go! To my agent, Brendan Deneen—thank you for taking my smack talking and turning it into progressive action. To my readers—thank you always for supporting Jayd and her stories. And to my babies—thank you for giving me the strength to live our culture freely.
THE CREW
Jayd
A sassy sixteen-year-old from Compton, California, who comes from a long line of Louisiana conjure women. She is the only one in her lineage born with brown eyes and a caul. Her grandmother appropriately named her “Jayd,” which is also the name her grandmother took on in her days as a voodoo queen in New Orleans. She lives with her grandparents, four uncles, and her cousin Jay. Jayd is in all AP classes and visits her mother on the weekend. She has a tense relationship with her father, whom she sees occasionally, and has never-ending drama in her life, whether at school or home.
Mama/Lynn Mae
When Jayd gets in over her head, her grandmother, Mama, is always there to help her. A full-time conjure woman with magical green eyes and a long list of both clients and haters, Mama also serves as Jayd’s teacher, confidante, and protector.
Mom/Lynn Marie
At thirty-something years old, Lynn Marie would never be mistaken for a mother of a teenager. Jayd’s mom is definitely all that and with her green eyes, she keeps the men guessing. Able to talk to Jayd telepathically, Lynn Marie is always there when Jayd needs her.
Netta
The owner of Netta’s Never Nappy Beauty Shop, Netta is Mama’s best friend, business partner, and godsister in their religion. She also serves as a godmother to Jayd, who works part-time at Netta’s Shop.
Esmeralda
Mama’s nemesis and Jayd’s nightmare, this next-door neighbor is anything but friendly. She relocated to Compton from Louisiana around the same time Mama did and has been a thorn in Mama’s side ever since. She continuously causes trouble for Mama and Jayd. Esmeralda’s cold blue eyes have powers of their own, although not nearly as powerful as Mama’s.
Rah
Rah is Jayd’s first love from junior high school, who has come back into her life when a mutual friend, Nigel, transfers from Rah’s high school (Westingle) to South Bay. He knows everything about her and is her spiritual confidant. Rah lives in Los Angeles but grew up with his grandparents in Compton like Jayd. He loves Jayd fiercely but has a girlfriend who refuses to go away (Trish) and a baby-mama (Sandy). Rah is a hustler by necessity and a music producer by talent. He takes care of his younger brother, Kamal, and holds the house down while his dad is locked up and his mother strips at a local club.
Misty
The word “frenemies” was coined for this former best friend of Jayd’s. Misty has made it her mission to sabotage Jayd any way she can. Living around the corner from Jayd, she has the unique advantage of being an original hater from the neighborhood and at school.
KJ
He’s
