
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the complexities of a multiracial identity or asking deep questions about family history that you might not be ready to answer. It is a powerful tool for a child who feels a piece of their personal puzzle is missing, especially those in single parent homes where a father's history is a mystery. The story follows seventeen year old Angie on a cross country journey to find her biological father, while a parallel narrative follows her mother, Marilyn, as a teenager in the 1990s. Through these dual timelines, the book explores themes of first love, systemic racism, and the ripple effects of secrets. It is emotionally resonant and sophisticated, making it ideal for older teens who enjoy realistic fiction that doesnt shy away from the messy realities of grief and belonging. You might choose this to open a dialogue about your own family's heritage or to support a teen who is navigating the unique challenges of being biracial in America.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewA significant character dies in a car accident, which is a central plot point.
Sweet, intense teenage romance and some kissing.
Themes of grief, longing, and the impact of long-held family secrets.
The book addresses racism, police profiling, and grief with a direct, secular approach. It realistically depicts the trauma of loss and the systemic barriers faced by Black men. The resolution is bittersweet and realistic rather than a fairy tale ending, emphasizing healing over perfect closure.
A thoughtful 16 year old who feels like an outsider within their own family or someone who enjoys complex, character driven mysteries that feel deeply personal.
Parents should be aware of a scene involving a fatal car accident and depictions of racial prejudice. The book can be read cold by most mature teens, but be ready to discuss the 1990s setting and how racial dynamics have both changed and stayed the same. A parent might notice their child becoming withdrawn or expressing frustration about not 'looking like' the rest of the family, or perhaps they are asking pointed questions about relatives who are no longer in the picture.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the romance and the adventure of the road trip, while older teens (17+) will better grasp the nuance of Marilyn's sacrifices and the systemic injustices portrayed.
Its unique 'mirror' structure allows the reader to see the daughter and mother at the exact same age, highlighting how history repeats itself and how identity is passed down through generations.
The novel uses a dual timeline structure to weave together the lives of Angie, a biracial seventeen year old in the present day, and her white mother, Marilyn, in the late 1990s. Angie discovers her mother has been hiding her father's identity and sets off on a road trip to find him. Meanwhile, Marilyn's story reveals her intense, star crossed romance with James, a young Black man, and the tragic circumstances that led to their separation.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.