Eleven-year-old Minni and her twin sister, Keira, are daughters of interracial parents. Minni is light-skinned, while Keira is darker. When the girls’ grandmother registers them as contestants in the Miss Black Pearl of America Pageant, Minni wonders if she is black or white. Her search for an answer leads her to question not only her sister and grandmother, but also God—though, as the story progresses, it’s clear that she doesn’t believe in him. Ultimately, Minni becomes aware of how prejudice affects Keira, as well as herself. This juvenile novel—which touches on Christian themes but is ultimately shaped by a humanistic worldview—offers valuable insights into the detrimental effects of racial intolerance. Ages 9-12. (Delacorte)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.