Scan barcode
A review by caseytogo
The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert
5.0
Alberta: "They just... Nicolette says stuff sometimes. That's prejudiced. Or maybe..."
Edie: "Racist? She says it so plainly, it startles me. Sometimes that seems like a bad word. Like people are more afraid of being associated with it than actually not being it"
Living in a small beach town, Alberta had been the only black person in her grade, her social circle, and was more than aware of her family's minority status in town. Her best friend Laramie "got it," but also kind of didn't. Some around her, mainly her class nemesis and nearby neighbour Nicolette, display microaggression on the subject, while others display frustrating indifference to the intolerance. Then, a new family moves into the B&B on the block and suddenly Alberta isn't so alone anymore, thanks to same-age new friend Edie from Brooklyn.
While this brief description conveys a serious tone, The Only Black Girls in Town is a very fun, thought-provoking and addictive read. The character development of the main and side characters will have you imagining them vividly, even in your own circle or town, or who in the book would match who in your existing circle.
The subjects are in middle school, but this story is completely appropriate and approachable for both young adult and adult-aged readers.
Mix chapters on growing up, community race relations, surfing, friendships, having two dads, stories in a box of mysterious journals found in an attic, mean girl drama and ice cream and you have this wonderful read by Brandy Colbert. I can't wait to see what she writes next and will be looking into her back catalogue.
Edie: "Racist? She says it so plainly, it startles me. Sometimes that seems like a bad word. Like people are more afraid of being associated with it than actually not being it"
Living in a small beach town, Alberta had been the only black person in her grade, her social circle, and was more than aware of her family's minority status in town. Her best friend Laramie "got it," but also kind of didn't. Some around her, mainly her class nemesis and nearby neighbour Nicolette, display microaggression on the subject, while others display frustrating indifference to the intolerance. Then, a new family moves into the B&B on the block and suddenly Alberta isn't so alone anymore, thanks to same-age new friend Edie from Brooklyn.
While this brief description conveys a serious tone, The Only Black Girls in Town is a very fun, thought-provoking and addictive read. The character development of the main and side characters will have you imagining them vividly, even in your own circle or town, or who in the book would match who in your existing circle.
The subjects are in middle school, but this story is completely appropriate and approachable for both young adult and adult-aged readers.
Mix chapters on growing up, community race relations, surfing, friendships, having two dads, stories in a box of mysterious journals found in an attic, mean girl drama and ice cream and you have this wonderful read by Brandy Colbert. I can't wait to see what she writes next and will be looking into her back catalogue.