This book is centered around the character of Ibby Bell who is grieving from the recent loss of her father in a tragic bicycling accident. Ibby's mother decides that she can no longer handle raising Ibby on her own, so she drops Ibby off at her paternal grandmother's house in New Orleans.

Now, 12 year old Ibby is not only dealing with her grief but she also feels completely abandoned. Ibby's grandmother, Fannie Bell, is a lively, outspoken and eccentric southern woman who does her best to make Ibby feel welcome and loved in her New Orleans home. Ibby's maids, Queenie and Doll, also make Ibby feel like part of the family by taking care of her, cooking for her and listening to her.

As the novel progresses, Ibby has many questions about her grandmother, her father and the mysteries of her family which are slowly revealed throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised that this book had several plot twists that kept me involved in the story from beginning to end.

DOLL-BABY is described as a coming of age, young adult novel. However, the real heroine and central character of the book is Fannie, Ibby's grandmother. Fannie has had many difficulties in her life but despite it all she maintains her free spirit and manages to overcome one hardship after another. Queenie and Doll, the two housemaids, are also strong characters who have some of the funniest dialogue in the book.

Queenie, Doll and their extended family are African Americans living in the south in the 1960's just after the Civil Rights Bill is passed. Ibby learns that racism and prejudice are rampant and a part of everyday life for African Americans in the south. DOLL-BABY is an interesting book for readers who enjoy a wide range of genres. Its exploration of serious themes such as race, religion and death makes it an interesting and must read.