Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman By Kristen R. Lee
Out Now from Crown Books for Young Readers; 336 pages
Content Warnings: Racism, elitism, drugs, robbery, police brutality, use of the N-word, and
other racial slurs
About the Author: “Kristen R. Lee is a native of Memphis, Tennessee, whose love of books
stems from her grandmother who was a school teacher. After graduating with a bachelor’s in
communication from MTSU, she began to draft her first novel which focuses on systemic racism
and Black culture. Growing up in Memphis, a majority Black city, writing stories that reflect her
upbringing is what she strives to do. When she’s not writing, you can find her on Twitter sharing
memes about not writing.” (Bio taken from Author’s website.)
Find Kristen R. Lee on the following platforms:
When Savannah Howard gets accepted into the elite Wooddale University with a full ride, her
mother refuses to let her give it up. Savannah’s white roommate and her boyfriend, Lucas, make
dorm life uncomfortable for her. Lucas is the big dog on campus with his rich family and white
privilege. At first, “Vanna” tries to fit in with her straightened hair and downplayed Memphis
accent, but when she witnesses acts of racism and hate crimes, she decides to take a stand. The
Black Student Union can only do so much in a predominantly white college, so she goes a step
further to expose the true nature of the students that attend Wooddale. Savannah will go to any
length to get the justice that the Black students of Wooddale deserve. But when it’s all said and
done, is Wooddale where she belongs?
Kristen R. Lee has taken from her own experience to write on the inequalities of Black people in
predominantly white institutions in her debut novel Required Reading for the Disenfranchised
Freshman. Lee uses immersive elements of Black culture in the book, such as African-American
Vernacular English and code-switching, to give her readers a feel for life as a member of the
Black community. I felt for Savannah the whole book; her struggles to be herself or to fit in are one that many can relate to. I enjoyed watching Savannah bloom into the person that she was
meant to be. Taking alternative routes to get her success was truly inspiring to read as it seemed
like so many systems were working against her. Not for the faint of heart, Required Reading for
the Disenfranchised Freshman is perfect for those who love a side of romance with their justice.
(Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing us with an
ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be
subject to change upon final publication.)
PRR Writer, Adrianna Muñoz