Jessa is Back by Stacia Moffett is a powerful and deeply personal historical novel set in the segregated South of the 1950s. It follows Jessa, a young girl returning to Tennessee after time in Oregon, where she formed a close friendship with a Black girl named Janie. Her homecoming is not just a return to familiar places but a jarring confrontation with the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws. As she witnesses the injustice and absurdity of segregation, Jessa struggles to make a difference, particularly by advocating for music education in Black schools. The novel paints a vivid picture of a young girl caught between her past and a growing awareness of systemic racism, all while dealing with personal grief and the challenge of belonging.

Moffett’s writing is rich with sensory details, making Tennessee feel both welcoming and suffocating at the same time. The train ride home, where Jessa marvels at the landscape she missed so dearly, is beautifully written. But that warmth is quickly contrasted with her realization that the town she loves is steeped in racial injustice. The moment when Jessa sees the segregated restrooms at the train station hits hard, especially when her younger cousin, Michael, is scolded for almost using the “wrong” one. It’s a small but telling moment that captures how deeply racism is ingrained in everyday life. Moffett’s ability to weave these details into the story makes the book both engaging and thought-provoking.

What I really loved about Jessa as a character is her unwavering determination, even when adults around her try to silence her. The dinner conversation with the Carlsons is especially frustrating. Jessa is passionately arguing for desegregation, only to be told that people are “content” with the way things are. Her frustration is palpable, and I felt it too. The book does an excellent job of showing how deeply entrenched racism is, not just in the legal system but in people’s unwillingness to question tradition. Yet, Jessa refuses to accept that answer. Her drive to push for music education in Black schools is a quiet but meaningful act of rebellion, proving that even small changes matter.

Another standout part of the book is Jessa’s relationship with her friend Janie and how it influences her perspective. Before moving to Oregon, Jessa accepted segregation as just the way things were. But after forming a true friendship with Janie, she can no longer ignore the injustice of it all. This is most painfully clear when she realizes that if Janie had come to visit, she wouldn’t have been able to use the same restrooms, sit in the same part of the bus, or even go to the same school. It’s a heartbreaking realization, and Moffett captures it with raw emotion. Jessa’s internal struggle between fitting in and standing up for what’s right is one of the most compelling aspects of the book. At times, the pacing slows down with extended discussions about race and social structures. While these moments are important, they occasionally make the story feel more like a lesson than a lived experience.

Jessa is Back is an emotional and thought-provoking read, perfect for those who enjoy historical fiction with strong, young protagonists. It’s especially suited for readers who appreciate coming-of-age stories that tackle serious social issues.

Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0DFFNMTV7