Every Body Looking
Every Body Looking is a young adult novel in verse by Candice Iloh, published September 22, 2020 by Dutton Books for Young Readers.
 Cover of Every Body Looking | |
| Author | Candice Iloh |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult literature |
| Publisher | Dutton Books for Young Readers |
Publication date | September 22nd 2020 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover, paperback) |
| ISBN | 978-0-52-555620-6 |
Reception
Every Body Looking was well-received by critics, including starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews,[1] Booklist,[2][3] and Publishers Weekly.[4]
Kirkus Reviews referred to the book as a "young woman’s captivating, sometimes heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful story about coming into her own."[1] Teen Vogue called it "[l]yrical, insightful, and searing,"[5] and Buffalo News called it " a stunning debut."[6]
Booklist wrote, "This debut is a testament to the beauty of Black girls, their circumstances, bodies, and cultures. A title to savor slowly, this is a captivating read, with even more depth imbued in the formatting and play with white space."[2]
BookPage wrote, "Iloh movingly explores the concept of safety through Ada’s relationships with her parents, as well as in her evolving perspectives on money, potential careers and budding romantic crushes. Teen readers who long for more independence than adults are willing to grant them, or who long to be seen as individuals rather than vessels for adult influence and direction, will find many points of identification with Ada’s story."[7]
The book also received positive reviews from The New York Times[8] and School Library Journal.[9]
Kirkus Reviews named Every Body Looking one of the best books of 2020.[1]
| Year | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | National Book Award for Young People’s Literature | Finalist | [10][6] |
| 2021 | Michael L. Printz Award | Honor | [11] |
| 2021 | Rise: A Feminist Book Project | Top 10 | [12][13] |
References
- "Every Body Looking". Kirkus Reviews. July 8, 2020. Retrieved 2021-10-27.
- Marshall, Melanie (August 2020). "Every Body Looking". Booklist. Retrieved 2021-10-27.
- "Reviews of the Day". Booklist. December 18, 2020. Retrieved 2021-10-27.
- Nelson, Patricia (2020-10-15). "Children's Book Review: Every Body Looking by Candice Iloh". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- Joshunda, Sanders (2020-09-22). "Candice Iloh Wrote a Book About African Identity and Queerness". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- Westmoore, Jean. "Books in Brief: Every Body Looking; When Stars Are Scattered; If Winter Comes, Tell It I'm Not Here". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- Wakeman, Jessica (October 6, 2020). "Every Body Looking". BookPage. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- Swan, Jennifer Hubert (2020-11-13). "Young Adult Debuts". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- Heritage Mazaz, Jill (2020-09-01). "Every Body Looking". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- Grady, Constance (2020-10-06). "Here are the finalists for the 2020 National Book Awards". Vox. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- "Printz Award". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). 2012-02-27. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- Chapman, Monica (2021-04-20). "2021 Rise Book Project presents Top Ten feminist books for young readers". American Library Association. Retrieved 2021-10-28.
- "Rise: A Feminist Book Project: 2021". Booklist. 2021-03-15. Retrieved 2022-09-16.