Thirteen delivers an authentic ensemble of experiences from the eyes of a 13 year old African American. Tamia is best known for her essay Freedom, which won a local award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Editor's Choice recognition from TeenInk magazine. This book is a perfect fit for anyone looking to understand the world through the lens of a teenage girl. Tamia is often quoted as saying, "I'm thinking, I'm thinking, I'm always thinking". Her work focuses on reflections from daily life, love, family, inner turmoil, and the lived experience of being black, female, and in America. At the age of 10, Tamia prayed that God would give her a baby sister for Christmas. Her sister, Aaliyah Lili was born December 20th that same year. Her book, Thirteen is dedicated to Lili.