Life in the oceanside town of Ewing Beach with her two dads fits Alberta well. She gets to surf any time she wants, and when she's finally thirteen, her dads will even let her compete. Her best friend Laramie isn't into surfing, but they have a lot of other things in common. Despite the fact that Alberta is the only black girl in her grade, live is good.
As the new school year, seventh grade, is about to begin, Alberta's dads reveal a surprise. There are new neighbors next door planning to open the old Bed & Breakfast. That's not anything special, but when they introduce Alberta to the new owners, she is thrilled. Edie is going to be joining Alberta in seventh grade and she's black!
Edie and Alberta hit it off fairly well. In fact since Laramie seems to be ignoring Alberta in favor of a nasty eighth grade girl across the street, Alberta is grateful to have a new friend. While settling into her attic room in the B & B, Edie discovers handwritten journals dating back to the 1950's. They are written by a woman named Constance. Added to the excitement of the new school year, the journals have opened up a mystery Alberta and Edie are determined to solve.
Life becomes complicated as Laramie continues to hang out with the older, popular crowd, Edie sinks into a funk when she is unable to connect with her father, and Alberta's biological mother comes to stay. Why is Laramie suddenly so mean? Will Edie get over the fact that her parents' divorce may have been her father's fault? And, will having her pregnant biological mother make Alberta uncomfortable? All these questions and more will keep readers on their toes as Alberta shares her story.
Author Brandy Colbert does an excellent job of communicating the ups and downs of growing up. Alberta is about to discover that friendships are tricky, not everyone grows up at the same rate, and families can be complicated. THE ONLY BLACK GIRLS IN TOWN is perfect for middle grade readers looking for something a little bit different.
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