Your Plantation Prom Is Not Okay

Harriet Douglass and her father run a museum on an old plantation in Louisiana. When mother and daughter Claudia and Layla Hartwell plan to host a wedding on the property, Harriet must use social media to cancel it and build a bridge between them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 04 May 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Harriet Douglass, a young woman living on an old plantation in Louisiana, shares a close bond with her historian father. Together, they have transformed the plantation into one of the few museums dedicated to the history of enslaved people in the South. Despite the recent loss of Harriet's mother, they continue to run tours that serve as a means to preserve and honor the memory of the past.

However, Harriet's world is unexpectedly shaken when her estranged mother, Claudia, and her daughter, Layla, arrive at the plantation. Claudia and Layla have plans to turn the property next door into a wedding venue and host a lavishly antebellum-themed wedding for two Hollywood stars.

Harriet is initially determined to hate Layla, considering her mother's past actions and the offensive theme of the wedding. However, to her surprise, Layla shows genuine interest in Harriet's perspective and seeks to understand her concerns. Unlike many others in their social circle, Layla is willing to listen and learn from Harriet's experiences.

Harriet believes that she has the power to change the hearts of Layla and her mother, but she underestimates the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead. When her school announces that prom will be held on the plantation, Harriet reaches her breaking point. She is overwhelmed by grief, anger, and frustration, feeling as if she is living in two completely different countries.

In the midst of this turmoil, Harriet finds solace in her childhood best friend, Ethan, who has unexpectedly returned after years away. Ethan has always been a source of support and understanding for Harriet, and their renewed connection brings her some comfort.

As Harriet grapples with the complexities of her relationships and the challenges of her surroundings, she realizes that she must find a way to bridge the gap between herself and Layla. She begins to see the similarities between them, despite their differences in upbringing and perspective. Through conversations and shared experiences, Harriet and Layla begin to build a bond of understanding and respect.

Harriet's journey is filled with obstacles and setbacks, but she remains determined to make a positive impact. She uses the power of social media to raise awareness about the historical significance of the plantation and the offensive nature of the wedding theme. Her campaign gains momentum, and eventually, the wedding is canceled.

Through her activism and her growing love for Ethan, Harriet begins to see the world in a new light. She realizes that Americans do not live in two separate countries, but rather in a nation that is still grappling with its past and working towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

In the end, Harriet and Layla build a bridge between their families and their communities. They learn to appreciate each other's differences and to work together towards a common goal. Harriet's experience serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to build bridges and create positive change.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 149 x 219 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780316449939