A Letter from Tiffany D. Jackson, author of GROWN

Dear Reader,

My first boyfriend was twenty-two years old. I was fifteen. The greatest secret I ever kept. It was exciting and invigorating, to be considered so beautiful and adult-like, but ultimately, I knew it wasn’t right—the sneaking around, the lying. Still, at that age, I should not have been the first to come to that conclusion.

If you’ve read Allegedly or Monday’s Not Coming, you already know this book is inspired by a case. . .but this book is not about R.Kelly.

This book is about the abuse of power. It’s about the pattern of excusing men for their behavior while faulting young girls for theirs.

It’s about blatant criticism of girls who were victims of manipulation. About individuals who were meant to protect and serve never believing girls or women in their moments of bravery. It’s about the possibility of similar situations happening to anyone. . .even to girls from two-parent households.

This book is not about R. Kelly. It’s about adults who know the difference between right and wrong. Because no matter where you stand on the issue. . .he knew better.

Love,

Tiffany Jackson

Tiffany D. Jackson is the critically acclaimed author of Allegedly, Monday’s Not Coming, and Let Me Hear a Rhyme. A Walter Dean Myers Honor Book and Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award winner, she received her bachelor of arts in film from Howard University, her master of arts in media studies from the New School, and has over a decade in TV/Film experience. The Brooklyn native still resides in the borough she loves. You can visit her at writeinbk.com.