Description
Black, white, and everything in between …
Through poems, interviews, and short essays, a group of young people tell what it’s like to be biracial, multiracial, or of mixed race. These poignant firsthand accounts reflect the unique and varied voices of the writers, whose backgrounds range from Caribbean, Vietnamese, and Latin American to First Nations, Spanish, and Irish, among others.
With devastating honesty, the youth tell what it’s been like to make their way in the world with their roots in many places and in many cultures. Themes include navigating mixed-race relationships, dealing with prejudice and the assumptions people make based on appearances, and working through identity confusion to arrive at a strong and positive sense of self.
Readers who share these experiences will find comfort, inspiration, and validation. Those less familiar with the issues will gain important insight and understanding.
Reviews
“The writing is urgent and gripping, humorous and angry, sad and defiant.”
- Booklist, 12/12
“The experiences and observations are always poignant, often tragic. Yet, as a whole the book is uplifting and optimistic.”
- Canadian Children’s Book News, 11/12
“Rawly provocative . . . Edgy layout, artwork and photos enhance stories and poems, amplifying the powerful emotions behind them.”
- Kirkus Reviews, 10/12
“For parents raising multiracial teens or school libraries, this is a terrific resource.”
- The Suburban Barnyard, 01/21/13
“The most important part of this book is the feelings the words illuminate.”
- Foreword Reviews, 11/12
“The quality of the pieces varies, but not the heartfelt desire to reach out to others and help them on a journey that can be painful and confusing.”
- Library Media Connection, 06/01/13
“By turns gritty or heartwarming, this would make a terrific addition to a study of culture or simply as a discussion starter for high school kids about how our culture defines us and limits or expands our potential.”
- LiterariTea, 08/24/12
“Readers who share these experiences will find support, inspiration, and validation. Those less familiar with the issues will gain important insight and understanding.”
- The Literati Press, 02/07/15
“Candid, painful, and most of all authentic reflections from a teenage POV.”
- Publishers Weekly, 10/15/12
“This was a great read . . . and one which I think many young people (and adults for that matter) would find interesting and eye-opening.”
- Beth’s Book-Nook Blog, 08/20/12
“Powerful, discerning, creative and inspiring.”
- Resource Links, 12/12
“People of mixed race will be able to identify with the stories that are shared, and will see themselves reflected in this collection.”
- School Library Journal, 03/13
“Its stories will resonate with mixed race teens, but those who aren’t of mixed race will become aware of issues they have neither considered nor experienced . . . there is much to be learned from this book.”
- CM Reviews, 10/12