About This Book
A parent should reach for this book when their child is resisting a new adult entering the family circle, particularly a prospective step-parent. Set in a 1940s Louisiana mill town, the story follows Jolene as she navigates the jealousy and fear that arise when a man named Leroy begins courting her mother. It is an ideal choice for children who feel that a new relationship might threaten their special bond with a single parent. The book masterfully captures the complex emotions of a young girl who uses 'bad' behavior as a shield to protect her heart. While the historical setting provides a rich backdrop of African American life in the rural South, the emotional core is universal. Parents will find it a gentle tool for opening conversations about change, the difference between 'replacement' and 'addition,' and the patience required to build trust in a blended family.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with the absence of a father (deceased) and the introduction of a new partner. The approach is realistic and secular, rooted in the social norms of the 1940s South. The resolution is hopeful and grounded, showing that acceptance is a process rather than an overnight switch. The book subtly depicts the racial inequalities present in the 1940s South. Parents should be prepared to discuss these instances of inequality and the history of racism with their children.
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