Off-Color (by Janet McDonald)

Two important things happen to Cameron on the brink of her 16th birthday: First, after her mother loses her jobs, they are forced to move to projects in Brooklyn. Then, while unpacking, Cameron discovers that the father she has never known is actually African American.

Living in new surroundings -- and with a new identity -- Cameron feels very confused. But her spirit (and supportive friends, including new friends from the projects) help her learn to be more open-minded about race -- both when dealing with other people, and herself.

The plot may not always be in focus, but the vibrant dialogue and characters make this a quick and engaging read. Readers will find it easy to root for spirited Cameron, who is not a typical teen book heroine: She is doing poorly in school, skips classes, and talks back to teachers (though she is still loving with her friends, and, mostly, her mom). In the end, though, readers will be most impressed with the frank and honest conversations about race. Early in the book, Cameron tells her friend it's easier for a white girl to date a white guy; later, after she learns she is half African-American, another friend argues that "real black people aren't gonna think you're black, so why try to be something you're not?"

Classroom discussions about Othello and Malcolm X -- as well as references throughout to mixed-race celebrities like Halle Berry and Mariah Carey -- solidify that this book is just as much about getting teens to think and talk about race as it is a coming-of-age story about a Brooklyn girl learning to accept herself. But, really, that's enough to make it a worthwhile read.

Author: Janet McDonald
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date: October 10, 2007
Number of pages: 176
Hardcover price: $16.00
Read Aloud: 12
Read Alone: 12