This was a quick read, and I think it's an important story to tell and message to impart. The "soulmate" friendship between Sue and Missippi was heartwarming, as was the fellowship of the girls in Chicago.

Unfortunately, I don't think this book reads like a YA novel; as other reviewers have suggested, the dialogue is bland, and some of the storylines felt rushed--for example, Ola and Izella were not featured much and were not as compelling as a result. I would have liked to see more of them so I could better connect with them, especially considering the enduring friendship at the end of the novel. (I'd say more, but I don't want to give away the ending. Speaking of the ending, though...that also felt rushed and glossed over.)