Some Price to Pay

Life has not been easy for 13-year-old Karasha Brewer. Growing up in the poor rural town of Lazy Creek, Mississippi, in the early '70s, Karasha has faced a lot of hardship. But she knows her life could have been worse.

While death, poverty, and racism have plagued her family, Karasha has also been blessed with song, friendship, and love, often from unexpected quarters. Coming of age surrounded by tragedy, Karasha is determined to squeeze every ounce of joy that she can from life--to triumph over grief and sorrow.

Led by older sister Derna, who lovingly teaches through her own successes and missteps, and good friends Cora and Nancy who embody true friendship, Karasha learns to put on a brave face--sometimes even a smile--as she builds a life for herself.

Following her mother's teachings and her father's example, experiencing her first adolescent crush and full-bloom romance, Karasha learns what real love demands--and, most importantly, discovers the true meaning of family.