First published 2005
Kare arrives at his new school in New York City carrying the weight of being different. The South African boy watches his classmates laugh and whisper, their teasing cutting deep because of his accent, his unfamiliar ways, his outsider status. Day after day, the pressure mounts. He tries to reshape himself, adopting new mannerisms and hiding parts of his identity to blend in with the crowd. The changes feel forced and uncomfortable, but Kare pushes forward, desperate to belong. The harder he tries to become someone else, the more isolated he feels. His attempts to win acceptance backfire, leaving him more alone than before. Through this painful process, Kare discovers something crucial about friendship and belonging. He learns that genuine respect cannot be earned through pretense. The boy realizes he must embrace who he truly is before others can accept him.
Genres: fiction, coming-of-age, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: New York City, South Africa
Period: 21st-century
32 pages · Paperback · Hip Hop School House