Color Me Dark

Reach for this book when your child is starting to notice social inequities or is processing a major family transition like a cross-country move. Through the diary of Nellie Lee Love, this story explores how a family maintains its bond and dignity while facing systemic racism in both the Jim Crow South and the urban North during 1919. It is a powerful tool for parents wanting to discuss historical reality, grief, and the concept of resilience. While the content is heavy, focusing on the Red Summer and the murder of a family member, it emphasizes that even in the darkest times, family love and faith provide a secure foundation. Best suited for middle schoolers, it offers a realistic but ultimately strengthening look at African American history and perseverance.