From award-winning and bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition.
Themes: systemic racism, prejudice, and colorism
"Placing biracial boyhood and the struggles of colorism at its center, the novel challenges readers to pursue their own self-definition."
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Kirkus
"An excellent selection for both elementary and middle library collections, this is a title that celebrates finding one's place in the world."
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School Library Connection, starred review
"An entertaining story and happy ending does not take away from this powerful examination of how the educational and justice systems punitively treat children of color—and how this bias impacts their self-perception and esteem. A powerful work and must-have for children's collections."
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Booklist, starred review