Ibi Zoboi's American Street is lauded for its rich, evocative storytelling and authentic portrayal of a Haitian immigrant's experience in Detroit. Reviewers praise its heartfelt exploration of identity and resilience but note occasional pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it's heralded as a poignant, thought-provoking debut that resonates deeply with readers.

Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with rich cultural contexts and complex family dynamics, similar to those in The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, will be captivated by Ibi Zoboi's American Street. This novel appeals to fans of immigrant narratives, social justice themes, and diverse voices.

American Street follows Fabiola, a teenage Haitian immigrant, who moves to Detroit to live with her cousins after her mother is detained by immigration authorities. Fabiola struggles to adjust to American culture, forms close bonds with her family, and falls in love, only to face difficult choices and harsh realities as she tries to secure her mother’s release. The book deals with issues including detention, drug-related violence, and the death of a young person.

Challenging / Emotional / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Inspirational

- American Street was a National Book Award Finalist in 2017, highlighting its critical acclaim and recognition within the literary community.
- Ibi Zoboi drew from her own experiences as an immigrant from Haiti to the United States, infusing the novel with authentic cultural and emotional depth.

**Fabiola Toussaint**  
A teenage girl who moves from Haiti to Detroit, where she navigates the challenges of fitting into American culture while trying to maintain her Haitian identity and spirituality.  

**Manman (Valerie)**  
Fabiola’s mother who is detained by immigration authorities, which sets off the series of events explored in the story.

**Matant Jo (Marjorie)**  
Fabiola's tough and resourceful aunt, who supports her family through her work in the illicit loan business.

**Pri (Princess)**  
One of Fabiola’s cousins and part of the Three Bees, known for her tomboyish style and fierce protectiveness of her sister Donna.  

**Donna (Primadonna)**  
Fabiola’s feminine cousin, part of the Three Bees, who has a tumultuous relationship with her boyfriend Dray.  

**Chantal**  
The eldest of Fabiola’s cousins, known for her intelligence and ambition, balancing her academic pursuits with a strong sense of family loyalty.  

**Dray (Drayton)**  
Donna’s boyfriend involved in drug dealing, whose actions significantly affect the lives of many characters.  

**Kasim**  
Dray’s best friend who falls in love with Fabiola and plays a key role in her adaptation to Detroit.  

**Q**  
A club owner involved in illegal dealings, whose actions indirectly impact the central characters’ lives.  

**Papa Legba/Bad Leg**  
An enigmatic figure who sits near Matant Jo’s house and serves as a spiritual guide to Fabiola in her journey.  

**Imani**  
One of Fabiola’s few friends at school who helps her with academic work and navigates her relationship with Fabiola's cousins.  

**Detective Stevens**  
The detective investigating a drug-related death who offers Fabiola a deal involving her mother's release.

Ibi Zoboi

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore American Street reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read American Street | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore American Street and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

American Street

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read American Street?

Reading Age

Book Details