The Plot
In the town of Chauncey, Ohio, the wealthy black residents who make up the majority of the town don't mingle much with the "poor white trash" Caucasian residents. Marie, voted best dressed and part of the most popular group of African Americans at school, becomes friends with Lena, a rumpled white girl who shoplifts and smokes. Despite their differences, the two bond over a common loss: both are minus a mother. Lena's died from cancer and Marie's left her family two years ago. As the two grow closer, Marie faces pressure from her father and her friends at school to "stick to her own kind." Lena, however, has a secret: her father sexually abuses her. Marie promises not to tell, but can she keep that promise if it means losing her friend?
The Review
This short, poetic offering tackles some difficult questions about the nature of parental love, interracial relationships, the consequences of keeping secrets, and what it means to be friends. By making the Caucasians the minority group in this story, it causes readers to ask themselves what they would do in the same situation. It also points out that racism doesn't go just one direction and sometimes adults can't be counted on to set a good example.
Obviously, the more mature themes of this story may be an issue to some, particularly parents. While the book doesn't go into lurid detail about Lena's actual experiences, the portrayal of people's various responses to allegations of abuse are very honest. Many readers will find the ending unsatisfactory. Even though it's not everyone's cup of tea, this book has staying power.
The Details
- Age Range: 12 and up
- Grade Level: 7 and up
- Length: 115 pages
- Publisher: Delacourt Press (1994)
- ISBN-10: 0385320310
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