Narrated in the voice of her younger sister, Fish and Grits chronicles the life of Kala Johnson, an African American girl who finds redemption from abuse by eating a forbidden meal. After the death of her father, fourteen year old Kala, an exceptional student who dreams about the future before it happens, takes on the responsibility of raising four younger siblings while struggling to survive the "concrete jungle" they call home. Kala, who will do anything to keep her family from suffering, comes up with a plan to keep them together amidst the challenges of poverty, government interference, and a drug addicted mother. When one of the eight years old twin boys begins to set deadly fires and is saved by their bank robbing neighbor, Kala finds in him a friend and confidante. Their lives continue to unravel after their mother is killed, but Aunt Charlie, their gay, ex-marine corps uncle, arrives just in time to rescue the family and to show Kala that true parental love really does exist. Fish and Grits is a fast pace urban drama which takes place during the era of Reganomics, disco music, and the Jheri Curl. Set in a North Philadelphia housing project during the early 1980s. It is a story of survival and determination, filled with memorable characters that will make you both laugh and cry aloud.

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