Black Brother, Black Brother

 From the publisher:

Black Brother, 
Black Brother
by Jewell Parker
Rhodes

"From award-winning and bestselling author, Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition.

Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few black boys at Middlefield Prep, he feels as if he is constantly swimming in whiteness. Most of the students don't look like him. They don't like him either. Dubbed the "Black Brother," Donte's teachers and classmates make it clear they wish he were more like his lighter skinned brother, Trey. Quiet, obedient.

When an incident with "King" Alan leads to Donte's arrest and suspension, he knows the only way to get even is to beat the king of the school at his own game: fencing. With the help of a former Olympic fencer, Donte embarks on a journey to carve out a spot on Middlefield Prep's fencing team and maybe learn something about himself along the way." 

I liked this book well enough to read it in one sitting, but it was very formulaic and I was seeing scenes from The Karate Kid in my head the whole time I was reading it. However, I think it is perfect for its middle school audience. I loved the main character and his entire family and was sickened by the racism and colorism he experienced at his private school. This book is perfect for our time and I will gladly recommend it to one and all.

Areas of Concern:
*Severe bullying that gets ignored by teachers and administrators
*Racism and colorism

Suggested Ages:
Publisher's Weekly - Ages 8-12
School Library Journal - Grades 4-6