The Other Side of Imani

Name: The Other Side of Imani
Brand: Harper Audio
Availability: InStock
Author: Lisa Springer
ISBN: 9780063288812

Author: Lisa Springer

Narrator: Tyla Collier

Unabridged: 5 hr 19 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: 07/29/2025

Categories: Children's Fiction, Children's Social Themes, Children's Humor, African American & Black Stories

Synopsis

A story about finding your voice alongside your real self, The Other Side of Imani is a heartfelt, fresh, and powerful middle grade contemporary debut that’s perfect for fans of Front Desk, That Girl Lay Lay, and Just Right Jillian.Ever since she could remember, thirteen-year-old Imani has wanted to be a fashion designer.But fashion designers are bold, out-there, and in your face. And despite her unique sense of style, Imani has trouble fitting in, let alone standing out. Entering her new school’s design competition for a scholarship to the nearby arts high school seems like the perfect way to make new friends and get closer to her dream of being a designer.Then Imani’s designs are stolen by one of her classmates, and Imani is forced to enter the competition anonymously, under a virtual persona of her own creation—“Estelle.” When Estelle then goes viral, Imani must figure out how to be her “real” self as she finds her true friends and her voice... all while hoping to win the competition.

About Lisa Springer

Lisa Springer is a writer from Barbados living in New York with her family. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading, dreaming about the beach, or plotting her next twisty novel. Visit her online at lisaspringerbooks.com.

Reviews

Goodreads review by K.C. on July 13, 2025

This one is a bit tough to rate, because the parts that I liked had me hooked, and the parts that didn't work for me made me physically cringe. *What Worked For Me:* - The conversations about cultural appropriation, in the context of a middle grade story, worked pretty well. Which tied into: - The cult......more

Goodreads review by Vicky on August 02, 2025

Being new at a school is rough. Imani is overjoyed to find another girl who is as interested in fashion and design as she is, and she excited to be invited to the other girl’s house to work on their designs for their school’s competition. (I find it a little hard to believe that everyone in their mi......more

Goodreads review by Lori on July 27, 2025

In THE OTHER SIDE OF IMANI, when Imani’s family moves to Brooklyn, the fashion-obsessed middle schooler is excited about being close to the fashion scene, but nervous about starting at a new school. She’s thrilled when Hailee, a fellow fashionista and daughter of a high-profile designer, invites her......more

Goodreads review by Ashleigh the Book Dragon on May 19, 2025

Imani and her family move to Brooklyn where Imani is close to the fashion scene she loves so much. As a future upcoming designer, Imani is given the chance to enter her school's competition and compete for a scholarship at the nearby arts high school. However, her dreams are stomped out when her cla......more

Goodreads review by Brittany on August 11, 2025

The Other Side of Imani is such a fun and uplifting read, packed with heart, creativity, and just the right amount of drama. It’s a story that celebrates individuality and self-expression in a way that feels both fresh and empowering, without ever losing its sense of fun. Imani’s journey is relatabl......more