Books matching: biracial identity
37 result(s)
- #1
'Loving Day' by Mat Johnson follows the story of Warren Duffy, a biracial man who returns to America after a failed marriage and the death of his father. Warren, struggling with his identity, discovers he has a daughter named Tal, who is darker than him and raised in the Jewish faith. As they navigate their complex relationship, they become involved with a community of biracial people, including a cultish school that challenges their perceptions of race and identity. The novel is a funny, satirical, and sometimes poignant exploration of American racial politics, mixed with dark humor and autobiographical elements.
IN THE GHETTO THERE IS A MANSION, and it is my father’s house. It sits on seven acres, surrounded by growling row homes, frozen in an architectural class war. Its expansive lawn is utterly useless, wi... - #2
Isabella, an 11-year-old biracial girl, navigates the complexities of having divorced parents and being caught between two households. The book delves into her struggles with racial identity, family dynamics, and the challenges of blending into two different worlds. Throughout the story, Isabella faces issues such as racial taunts, police prejudice, and the impact of her parents' divorce, all presented in an age-appropriate manner. The narrative follows Isabella's journey of self-discovery, resilience, and finding her place in a divided family structure.
Sharon M. Draper skillfully weaves together a powerful and well-written story that tackles sensitive topics such as divorce, racism, class differences, and stepfamilies with care and authenticity. The book is praised for its relatable and realistic portrayal of Isabella's experiences, making her a character that readers can empathize with. Draper's writing style effectively captures the emotional turmoil of a pre-teen girl grappling with identity, family conflicts, and societal challenges, making "Blended" a compelling and thought-provoking read for younger audiences.
I sit, hands perched with thirsty fingers, as I get ready to play. I work hard at it, always trying to find the right melodies and harmonies. The upstairs-downstairs scales that rise and fall. The thr... - #3
"The Broken Bridge" by Philip Pullman is a coming-of-age novel that follows Ginny, a biracial teenage girl living in a small Welsh village with her white father. When secrets from the past emerge, Ginny's world is turned upside down as she discovers hidden truths about her family and herself. The book delves into themes of identity, race, family secrets, and the complexities of relationships, all set against the backdrop of a picturesque yet haunting Welsh landscape. Pullman's narrative skill captures teenage emotions of alienation and isolation, with a touch of the supernatural woven into the storyline.
ONE HOT DAY toward the end of the summer term in which Ginny had her sixteenth birthday, she got home from school to find Dad already there, talking to a stranger. Normally he didn’t get home till six... - #4
Birdie appears white, like her mother, but her sister appears black, like their father. Birdie's parents split up, each taking the daughter that appears most like them, and do not communicate with each other. I've read an array of texts featuring caucasian and African American heroines, but never a biracial heroine with a story this compelling. Born to a biracial family in 1970s Boston, Birdie witnesses her family disintegrate from racial tensions. Her father and older sister move to Brazil, hoping for utopia, and Birdie and her mother go underground, adopting new identities. Birdie eventually sets out to find her sister and reconnect with and examine her past. A stimulating story about race and skin color, and how both have profound powers to shape our experiences.
Before I ever saw myself, I saw my sister. When I was still too small for mirrors, I saw her as the reflection that proved my own existence. Back then, I was content to see only Cole, three years olde... 'How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures' by Sabrina Imbler is a unique memoir that intertwines stories of exotic sea creatures with the author's personal experiences, particularly focusing on themes of queerness, identity, and self-discovery. The author uses a creative structure to narrate parallel tales of marine biology and her own coming-of-age journey as a young queer Asian woman, seamlessly blending scientific facts with personal narratives. The writing style is described as beautifully constructed, engaging, and emotionally impactful, as it delves into topics such as gender, sexuality, race, and adaptation.
- #6
Color Me In by Natasha Diaz is a coming of age novel that follows Nevaeh Levitz, a biracial teen dealing with her parents' divorce and struggling to navigate her identity as a white-passing mixed-race individual. As she moves between her white Jewish father's world and her black Christian mother's family in Harlem, Nevaeh grapples with the pressure to conform to both sides of her heritage while exploring themes of race, religion, and self-discovery. The narrative delves into Nevaeh's journey of finding her voice, understanding her complex identity, and coming to terms with her family's history, all while facing societal expectations and personal challenges.
The book is written in a way that provides valuable insight into the struggles faced by biracial individuals, offering a nuanced exploration of themes such as colorism, racism, Judaism, and first love. Through Nevaeh's experiences, readers witness her emotional growth, self-discovery, and the complexities of her relationships with her family members and friends, all of which contribute to her journey of becoming an authentic person. The author, Natasha Diaz, skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, character arcs, and themes to create a rich and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with readers on a personal and emotional level.
The electric hiss, like bees caught in a plastic casing, sends shock waves from the sterile lightbulbs in the bathroom of Mount Olivene Baptist Church. The sound travels over the damp off-white tiles,... - #7
'Dreamland Burning' by Jennifer Latham is a gripping historical fiction novel that alternates between two time periods, following the stories of two main characters, William and Rowan. The book delves into the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921, exploring themes of racism, injustice, and the impact of historical events on the present day. Through the alternating perspectives, readers are taken on a journey of discovery as the past and present intertwine, revealing harsh truths and complex connections between the characters.
The author, Jennifer Latham, skillfully weaves together the narratives of William and Rowan, two biracial teenagers living in different time periods but facing similar challenges related to race and identity. The book addresses issues of racism, inequality, and social injustice, both in the historical context of the Tulsa Race Riot and in the modern-day setting of Tulsa, 2017. Latham's writing style seamlessly blends the past and present, creating a compelling and thought-provoking story that sheds light on forgotten history and encourages readers to reflect on the enduring impact of racial tensions.
Everything started the first Monday of summer vacation. It was my only chance at a real day off, because the next morning I was supposed to start the internship Mom had arranged. It was the kind of th... - #8
The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow is a poignant novel that follows the life of Rachel, a biracial girl who faces the aftermath of a tragic family incident. After moving in with her black grandmother in Seattle, Rachel navigates through a world filled with racial prejudices and societal expectations. The story beautifully captures Rachel's journey of self-discovery, identity, and acceptance as she grapples with her past and the complexities of her heritage. Through rich storytelling and compelling narrative, Durrow explores themes of race, identity, family, and resilience in a thought-provoking and emotionally charged manner.
For Christmas, Grandma always sent Robbie and me a card with a new ten-dollar bill wrapped in aluminum foil. On the back of the envelope where she pressed extra hard there’d be a small smudge. The car... - #9
'Not the Girl You Marry' by Andie J. Christopher is a cute romance that follows the story of Hannah and Jack, who initially use each other to advance their careers but end up falling for each other. The plot involves a lot of sex and juvenile talk in the beginning, with the main characters struggling with their ulterior motives and the consequences of their actions. Despite some readers finding the storyline unrealistic and lacking in communication, the book touches on themes of vulnerability, self-love, and interracial relationships in a contemporary setting.
ON THE THIRD DAY of ninth grade, Jack Nolan asked Maggie Doonan to be his date to the Leo Catholic freshman dance. He blackmailed his older brother, Michael, into dressing up as a chauffeur and drivin... - #10
Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman follows the journey of Kiko Himura, a biracial teenager struggling with social anxiety and an emotionally unavailable mother. The story delves deep into themes of abuse, racism, mental health, and self-discovery, as Kiko navigates her complicated family dynamics, seeks validation through her art, and finds solace in reconnecting with an old friend, Jamie. Through poignant storytelling and raw emotions, the book explores Kiko's growth and acceptance of herself, her heritage, and her place in the world.
The narrative beautifully captures Kiko's transformation from a girl plagued by insecurities to a confident artist who learns to embrace her roots and stand up for herself. The writing style is powerful and evocative, drawing readers into Kiko's world of familial struggles and personal triumphs. With a well-paced plot, relatable characters, and a touching exploration of love and resilience, Starfish offers a compelling and emotional reading experience for those who appreciate realistic YA fiction with depth and heart.
I shouldn’t be surprised—she never shows up—but I can’t get rid of the empty, twisted feeling in my stomach. Emery always says that being alone isn’t the same thing as being lonely, but sometimes it f...