First published 1990
Muffin is sixteen and blind, navigating a world that feels increasingly unstable. Her mother struggles with troubles that cast shadows over their home, leaving Muffin to find her own way through daily challenges. When Kwanza arrives, Muffin experiences the holiday for the first time. The seven-day celebration introduces her to African American traditions and connects her to a heritage she had never fully explored. Through the rituals and stories of Kwanza, Muffin discovers links to generations before her. The holiday's principles give her new tools to understand her place in the world. As each day of celebration unfolds, Muffin gains confidence to face her mother's problems and her own fears about living with blindness. The festival becomes more than just a cultural experience. It offers her a foundation of strength rooted in history and community values that help her move forward with greater resilience.
Genres: african-american, coming-of-age, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, resilience
Setting: Africa
Period: Contemporary
176 pages · Paperback · Puffin Books