Parents' Guide to Black Dove White Raven

Parents need to know that Black Dove White Raven, like author Elizabeth Wein's other work (Code Name Verity, The Enigma Game), is an emotional, nuanced historical adventure involving irresistible, complex characters caught up in events far beyond their control, and trying their best to do the right thing. The title refers to the biracial team of aviators, Delia Dupré and Rhoda Drummond, who are a big hit on the 1920s barnstorming circuit until a fatal accident claims Delia and throws Rhoda into depression. It's also the identity assumed by Delia's son Teo and Rhoda's daughter Emilia, raised together as siblings, coming to terms with a world that will never treat them as such because of their different skin colors, and building a rich imaginary life as superheroes. To escape racial prejudice, Rhoda takes the kids to Ethiopia -- at the time, the only country in Africa never to be colonized -- and is soon caught up in international intrigue and brewing war as newly crowned emperor Haile Selassie struggles to meet the threat of predatory world powers. Guns, bombs, chemical warfare, and other violence befalls characters, not all of whom survive unfolding events as they're ensnared in historical forces far beyond their control -- including slavery, traces of which lingered in Ethiopia at the time of the story. The two teens' deep, lifelong bond makes for a riveting tale of clashing values, clashing nations, courage, determination -- and lots of flying. A substantial appendix offers plentiful detail about Ethiopian history and culture, Black aviators of the early 20th century, and the real people who appear as characters in the story.