White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson is lauded for its masterful blend of psychological thriller and horror, engaging readers with a gripping narrative and well-developed characters. Critics praise Jackson's exploration of social issues, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s considered a compelling read with a fresh, thought-provoking approach.

Ideal readers for Tiffany D. Jackson's White Smoke are teens and young adults who enjoy psychological thrillers with elements of social issues, horror, and suspense. Fans of Angie Thomas's The Hate U Give and Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls would find similar thematic depth and riveting storytelling in this novel.

White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson tells the suspenseful story of a family who moves to a small town where they encounter strange occurrences and unsettling secrets. The plot centers on a young girl navigating personal challenges while uncovering dark mysteries in her new home.

- White Smoke is Tiffany D. Jackson's tribute to classic horror and psychological thrillers, infused with elements addressing social issues such as gentrification and mental health.
- To create the eerie atmosphere in White Smoke, Tiffany D. Jackson drew inspiration from real-life experiences with unexplained phenomena and her own fear of the unknown.
- Tiffany D. Jackson has described White Smoke as a mix between "Get Out" and "The Haunting of Hill House," blending suspense and horror with social commentary.

Mysterious / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Dark / Emotional

**Marigold Anderson-Green**  
The Black teenage protagonist who moves with her family to Cedarville; she grapples with anxiety, addiction, and supernatural elements while trying to adapt to a new environment and school.

**Sammy**  
Marigold’s younger brother who is bright and curious; he believes their new house is haunted and shows loyalty to Marigold through shared adventures and protectiveness.

**Piper**  
Alec's 10-year-old daughter and Marigold's stepsister; initially an antagonist, she is a complex character who deals with trauma and secretly helps individuals within the community.

**Yusef Brown**  
A high-school junior and resident of Maplewood with an interest in gardening; he forms a complicated relationship with Marigold, reflecting both empathy and disagreement.

**Ms. Suga (Carmen Peoples)**  
A community figure who once refused to sell her home, leading to conflict; she resides secretly in Marigold’s house and contributes to mysterious events in the narrative.

**Jon Jon Peoples**  
Carmen’s son, who is falsely portrayed negatively by the community's narrative but later seen in a more sympathetic light as he works to rectify the past.

**Mr. Sterling**  
Leader of the Sterling Foundation; he plays a critical role in the narrative's exploration of gentrification and is involved in deepening community tensions.

**Raquel Anderson-Green**  
A Black writer and devoted mother to Marigold and Sammy; she moves the family to Cedarville for a residency and navigates the challenges of a blended family.

**Alec Anderson-Green**  
Piper’s father and Marigold's stepfather; a white financial analyst striving for family unity while managing internal biases and misunderstandings.

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