Makeda "Keda" Kirkland was adopted as an infant. She is black and her adoptive parents are white. She knows they were thrilled to have her join their family, and she knows that her parents and her older sister Eve love her. However, sometimes being black in a white world is tougher than anyone understands.
Lena, Keda's best friend back in Maryland, understands. She is also black and was also adopted by white parents. They have always helped and supported each other, but Keda moves to New Mexico leaving Lena behind. They write and call when they can, but life often gets in the way.
Things don't go well at Keda's new school. Bullies pick on her, especially in the locker room during gym class. When one of the girls calls Keda the "N" word, Keda is shocked, but she isn't sure where to turn. When she reports it to a teacher, she is told no one heard it so discipline will have to wait until next time.
Keda confides in Lena through their shared notebook. Keda's mother finds the notebook before it is returned to Lena, and the result is Keda's mother storming into the school and withdrawing both Keda and Eve. She declares homeschooling is the answer.
Unfortunately, homeschooling isn't exactly what the girls or their often absent father think is best. Also, Keda's mother, a former concert violinist, suffers from bipolar disorder. She spends days deep in depression while the girls fend for themselves. It isn't until during one of her manic episodes when she whisks them away to Colorado that their father understands the severity of the situation.
Author Mariama J. Lockington deftly describes Keda's feelings as she struggles with being different, and she paints a vivid picture of living with a parent with a serious mental health issue. There is much to discuss in this fast-paced read. It is perfect for middle grades and up.
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