For teens navigating intense first loves amidst societal pressures, this book explores standing up to prejudice and finding courage in difficult circumstances.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating a serious first relationship that faces disapproval or prejudice from others. Romiette and Julio is a modern retelling of the classic love story, centered on an African American girl and a Hispanic boy who fall in love online. Their relationship is tested by a local gang that targets them for their interracial dating, forcing them to confront hatred and violence. The story powerfully explores themes of love, fear versus bravery, and the fight for justice in a prejudiced world. It is an excellent choice for opening conversations about racism, peer pressure, and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right, both for yourself and for others.
Recurring nightmares of drowning and a tense kidnapping scene.
LanguageMild
Some mild profanity and slang appropriate for the high school setting.
Romantic ContentMild
Focus on a teen romance, including kissing and strong emotional connection.
Sensitive Topics
Racism, prejudice, and gang violence are central to the plot and are handled directly, not metaphorically. The approach is secular. The main characters are threatened, bullied, and put in a life-threatening situation. The resolution is hopeful: the couple survives, their bond is stronger, and the gang is held accountable. However, it realistically acknowledges that prejudice continues to exist.
Ideal Reader
A teen (13-16) who enjoys romance but is ready for a story with serious, real-world stakes. It's for the reader beginning to grapple with social justice issues like racism and prejudice, and who may be experiencing or witnessing bullying or peer exclusion based on identity.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss racism, gang violence, and online safety. The kidnapping scene near the end is intense and may be frightening for more sensitive readers. Previewing the final few chapters would be wise. The book provides a solid foundation for these conversations but is best read with adult guidance available. A parent overhears their teen talking about a friend's interracial relationship facing backlash, or their own teen is in a similar situation. The teen might also express fear or confusion about racial tension or gang activity at their school.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely focus on the central romance and the clear 'good vs. evil' conflict with the gang. An older teen (15-17) is more likely to appreciate the nuances of Julio's struggle with his cultural identity, the social commentary on systemic prejudice, and the psychological impact of fear, as seen in Romiette's recurring dreams.
What Makes It Special
This book's direct use of the 'Romeo and Juliet' framework makes it a unique and accessible teaching tool. It modernizes the classic themes of feuding families and forbidden love, reframing them in the context of contemporary gang violence and racial prejudice, making the story immediately relevant to teens.
Read plot summary
Romiette, an African American high school student plagued by nightmares of drowning, meets Julio, a recent Hispanic transplant from Texas, in an online chatroom. They quickly fall for each other and are thrilled to discover they attend the same school. Their happiness is short lived as they become the target of the Devildogs, a local gang that opposes interracial relationships. The harassment escalates, culminating in a dangerous confrontation and kidnapping that tests their love, their friends' loyalty, and their courage.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Romiette has prophetic dreams about water and drowning. How do her dreams and her fear of water affect her actions throughout the story? How does she finally confront that fear?
2
The Devildogs gang believes in keeping races separate. Why do you think they feel so strongly about this? How do their beliefs compare to the way Romiette's and Julio's parents react to their relationship?
3
Ben and Destiny are loyal friends to Romiette and Julio. Find an example of a time when their friendship was crucial. How does the story show the importance of allies when facing prejudice?
4
This story is a modern version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. What elements are similar (e.g., feuding groups, forbidden love) and what did Sharon Draper change to make the story relevant today?
