Shortie Like Mine

by Ni-Ni Simone

Book Overview

A YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers What happens when the girl everyone least expects gets the guy all the chicks want. . .' she can rock Apple Bottoms jeans and stilettos like nobody's business, but she's got her share of issues. It's not easy being the thickest one in her clique or hiding that her rebellious twin sister Toi is playing wifey to the neighborhood thug. And Seven is definitely not happy that she's feelin' the school's...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0758228392
• ISBN13: 9780758228390
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Dafina Books
• Length: 231 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.6" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

My Favorite Book

this was my favorite book and i lost it in my gma move

BALLIN'

Shortie Like Mine, written by Ni-Ni Simone, is a hood-fabulous teen tale about Seven McKnight. While Seven may be the thickest chick in her clique, she's always fly, and those dimples of hers are magnetic. Seven is feeling it for Josiah Whitaker, a senior star basketball player. Unfortunately for her, Josiah appears to be taken by Deeyah, her friend/enemy. Luckily Deeyah plays foul, which leaves Josiah open for the pass. Will it be a win-win, or is Seven playin' herself? In the middle of squabbling back and forth with her girls, Seven is disappointed to learn that her twin, Toi, has decided that it's okay to be wifey to a thug. With her mother working double shifts, her dad in with his new family, Seven has adjusted her situation and when it's not suitable, she runs. Will Seven learn to open up? I'm going to have to keep it funky; Shortie Like Mine is the ish! You know it's a serious read anytime you're on the highway praying for traffic so you can stop and read the book! OMG...I laughed so hard tears came out of my eyes. I enjoyed each and every one of the characters, but Cousin Shake and his sidekick Man-Man. Real Live! Ni-Ni Simone, I do hope that this is just the beginning of this teen series. Shortie Like Mine is an easily relatable read that focuses on real issues and consequences. I would definitely recommend this for all teens and lovers of teen novels. Reviewed by Nardsbaby for Urban Reviews

Move over Judy Blume: Introducing Ni-Ni Simone

Ni-Ni introduces Seven, a plus sized, outgoing and popular teenager who has her eyes on her girlfriend's popular boyfriend, Josiah. Although, dressing in the latest fashions and enjoying life are vital, Seven has loads of headaches to deal with. One, preventing her single mom from discovering that her sister, Toi is shacking up with a petty dealer. Then there's the annoying, unwarranted antics of her crazy, older relative, Cousin Shake who insists on stepping in her deadbeat dad's shoes. If that isn't enough, she has a stalker on her hands: Melvin a/k/a BIG COUNTRY all the way from Murfreesboro, NC. Holla!!!!! "Shortie Like Mine" is a witty coming of age tale filled with life learned lessons as well as humor. I'm certainly not ashamed to say that it kept me in stitches. LOL My 15 year old son read it and loved it too. It was refreshing discussing it with him. I'll pass it onto my 16 year old nephew next.

entertaining character driven urban teen relationship drama

In Newark size fourteen sixteen years old Seven "Big Mama" McKnight struggles somewhat with self esteem as the thickest person on her clique, but being bigger also makes her feel she is fly. However, she is worried about her twin sister Toi who sneaks out of the house to be with her hood of a boyfriend. She also hides her feelings for the school's star baler Josiah, who is seeing her friend Deeyah. When Melvin "Big Country" arrives from Murfreesboro, North Carolina, he likes Big Mama whom he calls "Shawtie", but she rejects his passes. Instead her best friend Shae begins seeing him. Meanwhile Deeyah starts playing with Josiah's enemy Dollah; so Josiah dumps her and begins trying to get Seven to go with him. Seven wants to fly with Josiah, but also fears destroying their clique, but that may be too late as she and Shae are on one side of the divide and Deeyah with Ki-Ki and Yaanah on the other. This is an entertaining character driven urban teen relationship drama that brings alive an inner city extended clique. Seven holds the story line together as the 360 degree focus with her struggles between loyalties pulling her in differing directions. She wants to do right by her friends, her family, Josiah; and others, but realizes someone probably her will be hurt regardless of what she does even doing nothing. The hip hop vernacular adds freshness that enables the young adult reader to feel even closer to the strong cast especially the superstar Seven as fans will say yeah-yeah to Ni-Ni Simone's superb in the hood teen tale. Harriet Klausner

Lessons to be learned in Shortie Like Mine

Well...Welcome NiNi Simone... NiNi Simone enters the literary world with a LOUD applause....and what an entrance she makes! This book is definitely a page turner that addresses issues that children of today,are faced with. NiNi introduces us to 16 years old Seven Mcknight, her twin sister Toi, and of course her clique. Seven and Toi are as different as night and day, but the challenges they face are prevelant for our teens today. You know, those age old issues all teens are faced with....peer pressure....boy pressure....school concerns....fashions....decisions....parents...yeah all of those....the question is are they mature enough to wait on certain things or must they have them immediatley. Well....as you go through the halls and walls that surround Seven and her clique... you are bound to laugh, gasp, shake your head..and talk out loud. Meet Cousin Shake and Man Man as they shake rattle and roll. NiNi Simone has penned a tale that will not only interest teenagers but seasoned moms and dads who are looking for the right literature for their children. This book is bound to be a page turner... don't sleep...for NiNi Simone has arrived and is tootin her literary skills....Definitely a great read! Welcome Aboard....Miss NiNi Simone...can't wait for If I Was Your Girl...can't wait!