3.31
Part of "Three Girls in the City" series
"Black and White" by Jeanne Betancourt is a young adult novel that explores themes of racism, prejudice, and friendship through the eyes of two eighth-grade girls, Claudia and Zoe. Claudia is African American and Zoe is white, and they become best friends despite the objections of their families and community. The story is set in a small, predominantly white town in the 1970s, where tensions between the races are high. Claudia's family has recently moved to the town, and she faces discrimination and prejudice at school and in the community. Zoe, who has always lived in the town, is initially unaware of the racial tensions, but as she and Claudia become closer, she begins to see the injustices that Claudia faces on a daily basis. The novel is a powerful exploration of the ways in which racism and prejudice affect individuals and communities. Betancourt does an excellent job of portraying the complexities of race relations and the challenges that individuals must face in order to overcome them. The characters are well-developed and believable, and the plot is engaging and thought-provoking. One of the strengths of "Black and White" is its focus on the power of friendship to overcome differences and challenge prejudice. Claudia and Zoe's friendship is tested throughout the novel, but they remain committed to each other and to standing up for what is right. The novel also highlights the importance of communication and understanding in breaking down barriers and building bridges between communities. "Black and White" is a valuable addition to any young adult library. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will engage readers and challenge them to think critically about issues of race and prejudice. Betancourt's writing is accessible and engaging, making it a great choice for readers who are just beginning to explore these issues. Overall, "Black and White" is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand the complexities of race relations and the power of friendship to overcome them...
Ellen Raskin
The Westing Game
This Newbery Medal-winning novel follows sixteen people who are invited to the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will and are given clues to solve a mystery and win his fortune. Like 'Black and White', this book features a diverse cast of characters, a puzzle to solve, and themes of family and identity.
Learn MorePatrick Skene Catling
The Chocolate Touch
This humorous novel tells the story of a boy who acquires the magical ability to turn everything he touches into chocolate. Like 'Black and White', this book explores themes of identity, family, and the consequences of our actions.
Learn MoreGeorge Selden
The Cricket in Times Square
This Newbery Honor-winning novel tells the story of a cricket who finds himself in Times Square and befriends a streetwise cat and a boy from a newsstand. Like 'Black and White', this book explores themes of friendship, community, and the power of art and culture.
Learn MoreMildred D. Taylor
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
This Newbery Medal-winning novel tells the story of a young African-American girl growing up in the Jim Crow South and fighting for her family's land and dignity. Like 'Black and White', this book explores themes of identity, family, and the struggle for justice and equality.
Learn MoreLois Lowry
The Giver
This Newbery Medal-winning novel tells the story of a young boy who is chosen to receive memories of the past and must decide whether to keep them secret or share them with the rest of his community. Like 'Black and White', this book explores themes of identity, family, and the power of knowledge and truth.
Learn MoreKatherine Paterson
Bridge To Terabithia
This Newbery Medal-winning novel tells the story of two young friends who create a magical kingdom in the woods and must face the challenges of growing up and the loss of innocence. Like 'Black and White', this book explores themes of friendship, identity, and the power of imagination.
Learn MoreFrances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden
This classic novel tells the story of a young girl who discovers a secret garden on her uncle's estate and learns the power of love, friendship, and the healing power of nature. Like 'Black and White', this book explores themes of identity, family, and the importance of connection and community.
Learn MoreE.B. White
The Trumpet of the Swan
This classic novel tells the story of a trumpeter swan who is born without a voice and must learn to communicate and find his place in the world. Like 'Black and White', this book explores themes of identity, family, and the power of art and creativity.
Learn More