On Tour: The Backup Singer

"What is the Color of Friendship?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Shanice's cousin, Tawny, and her brother have moved in for the summer and it is the last thing Shanice wants. Tawny makes a point of teaser her for acting "white" when she is "black" yet that is not how Shanice sees herself. But Shanice hopes to wade through the summer with minimal contact with Tawny by working with her band mates. Yet Tawny's teasing gets worse and starts to affect Shanice, making her doubt her friends. Will Shanice loose her friends? Is there something more to Tawny's teases and accusations? Is skin color really the problem?

 

Author - Barb Huff

Publisher. - Barbour

Age Group - 14 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Shanice is often angry and frustrate with her family for not listening to her and her cousin being spoiled. Tawny is often bringing down Shanice for "acting white" and looks down on white people. Issues of trust and race come into the book and the characters learn how to see the truth.

 

Personal Opinion -  This book was interesting in that respect and also because the was so much more to the situation than just skin difference. It takes a while but it seems there is more growing on with Shanice's cousin and her discouragement than just racial differences. I liked how there was more going on with her than just being a jerky girl, that there was a reason and a growth experience for the cousin. I could also understand the distance and the feeling of not being part of the group that Shanice feels at one point. One thing that did make it difficult to completely engage with the book was that Shanice started bitter and angry, not that I never read a book like that but it might have been too much with very little positive stuff for a while. Still trying to find the last book in this series and I'm looking forward to it.

 

Buy - Amazon

Other Book Reviews for this Author - On Tour: Books 3-4 - Review
 
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Lesson of the White Eagle

"Being a Friend Should Never

Mean Having to Hate Another"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Dusty is a typical teen, concerned with school, finding time away from his dad's shop, and hanging with his friends. But when one of those friends attacks an Indian and turns on him, Dusty is visited by the spirit of the Ponca Indian Chief White Eagle, learning lessons of the past and the trials the his people have suffered. As the lessons get tougher and Dusty has to face what has happened, he will have to decide if he will betray his friend or let an innocent person be punished for crimes he didn't commit.

Author - Barbara Hay

Publisher - The Road Runner Press

Age Group - 13 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* One swear word and the boys do some irresponsible and dangerous things. Dusty stands for the rights of Native Americans. Forgiving others after a great wrong is also a theme in the book.

Personal Opinion - Wow. I almost cried at the end of this book. It was a beautiful depiction of overcoming racism and being a true friend. Dusty's struggle and the conflicts he faces were realistic and believable. He doesn't know what to do at first but finds a way to do what is right and stand for what he believes in. Loved how some Native American spirituality came into play. The beginning was a bit long but, as soon as it got to the main conflict of the story, it picked right up and held me to the end, which was just lovely. Will be holding onto and sharing this book for a long time.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,

Special Notes - This is the debut novel of Barbara Hay

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads Giveaway program.

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