Upstate

Adolescence is a time of great confusion and often times frustration. Upstate by Kalisha Buckhanon (2005) is a very honest portrayal of being a teenager, growing up in Harlem. The two main characters, Antonio and Natasha, face different struggles due to their backgrounds and environment. With Antonio in jail, the only form of communication between these two young lovers is through letters. Their letters express their anxieties, hopes, and fears. Their voice shines through each and every letter with new revelations revealed throughout.