About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to support a grieving family member or feeling isolated by a physical disability. It offers a raw and deeply empathetic look at Marvia, a sixteen-year-old girl who is blind and navigating the emotional fallout of her father's murder. As her mother turns to alcohol to cope with the anniversary of his death, Marvia seeks stability and strength through her community and her first celebration of Kwanzaa. This story is a poignant choice for families looking to discuss resilience, the importance of cultural roots, and the complex reality of loving a parent who is struggling with mental health or addiction. While the themes are heavy, the book provides a roadmap for finding one's own identity and inner light amidst external darkness. It is most appropriate for mature middle schoolers and high school students who can handle realistic depictions of grief and urban life.
