Genesis Begins Again

Genesis Begins Again

Company type	Children's book
Industry	Publishing
Founded	2019
Founder	Alicia D. Williams
Products	Children's literature

Genesis Begins Again is a children's book published in 2019 by Alicia D. Williams. The story centers on thirteen-year-old Genesis Anderson, whose family repeatedly faces eviction due to her father’s gambling problems. Genesis contends with bullying and experiences of colorism both at home and school, which are central themes throughout the narrative. Williams’ debut work garnered significant praise, earning a Newbery Honor as well as the John Steptoe Award for New Talent.

Plot

Thirteen-year-old Genesis Anderson resides in Detroit with her father, who struggles with alcoholism and a gambling addiction. Although her parents have dark skin tones, her mother is lighter-skinned. At school, Genesis is subjected to bullying because of her darker complexion and internalizes blame for her family’s difficulties, maintaining a list of what she perceives as her own flaws.

After briefly connecting with some popular peers, Genesis invites them to her home, only to discover that her family has been evicted once more due to unpaid rent. She and her mother move in with her grandmother, and Genesis transfers to a new school. Her grandmother holds colorist beliefs, including the use of the "paper bag test" to evaluate skin tone—an assessment that Genesis does not pass. At her new school, Genesis no longer faces bullying, meets Troy (her romantic interest), and uncovers a gift for singing in the chorus.

Prompted to participate in the school's talent show, Genesis performs while her father attends intoxicated. During this encounter, he opens up about his struggles with alcoholism and reveals that he has started attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

Major themes

The book primarily explores colorism and its effects on young individuals. Genesis suffers bullying due to her darker skin shade, while her father’s issues with alcohol and gambling contribute to instability within the household and repeated evictions. When intoxicated, he is verbally abusive and harbors resentment toward Genesis because of her resemblance to him.

Her maternal relatives, who have lighter skin, perpetuate colorist attitudes by applying the "paper bag test" as a standard for judging skin tone—a standard Genesis fails to meet. Amidst housing insecurity and familial substance abuse challenges, Genesis believes that changing her appearance—such as straightening her hair or lightening her skin—might improve her circumstances, leading to damaging self-harm behaviors.

Development

Alicia D. Williams began crafting Genesis Begins Again in 2012 during her Master's studies at Hamline University. Originally an 80-page autobiographical thesis, the narrative shifted focus toward contemporary issues after receiving feedback. By 2014, she completed a manuscript approximately 100 pages in length and shared it with writer Anne Ursu, who encouraged Williams to pursue literary representation.

In 2015, Williams secured a publishing contract aimed at a spring 2017 release date and commenced work on the second draft in early 2016. While employed as a kindergarten teaching assistant, she found inspiration in children’s perceptions of color. Throughout an intensive six-month editorial process, Williams refined the story by studying guidance from her editor and works by respected authors. Concurrently, she authored two biographies.

Reception

Williams’ first novel was met with widespread critical acclaim. Kirkus Reviews commended its "smooth and engrossing" writing style along with its relevant themes. The Horn Book Magazine praised its honest treatment of colorism and addiction issues. The Washington Informer recommended it as an excellent choice for middle school readers, highlighting its sensitive approach to challenging subjects without resorting to excessive profanity or melodrama.

In The New York Times, Katherine Marsh described it as a "stunning debut novel," noting its nuanced portrayal of complex family relationships and intra-community racism. She compared Genesis’ experience to that found in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, adapted for younger audiences. Deborah Stevenson acknowledged the book’s candid discussion of colorism and Genesis’ emotional growth but offered criticism regarding certain plot developments—such as the father’s abrupt transformation—and the unexpected emergence of Genesis’ vocal abilities.

Awards and nominations

Genesis Begins Again was shortlisted for the Kirkus Prize and honored with a Newbery Honor in 2020. Additionally, Williams received the John Steptoe Award for New Talent, which celebrates promising African-American authors and illustrators.

The title was recognized on Kirkus Reviews' "Best Books of 2019" list and was selected as one of the 2020 Association for Library Service to Children "Notable Children's Books."

External links

• Alicia D. Williams recordings about the process of publishing Genesis Begins Again, featured on The Yarn