First published 1995
Melanin Sun's world is upended when his single mom reveals she's gay and dating a white woman. As he grapples with his anger and fear, Melanin must confront his own preconceptions about sexuality, race, and what it means to be a family. Through his heartfelt notebooks, he wrestles with letting his mom's girlfriend into their close-knit duo. In the end, Melanin discovers that embracing change can open the door to new love and understanding.
Genres: fiction, family-life, african-american, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, identity-exploration
Setting: Brooklyn, New York
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
160 pages · Library Binding · Bt Bound