Helpful Score: 2
Loved it! Melanin Sun is the only child of EC, a beautiful single mom working full-time and attending law school at night. Their relationship is close, the kind of relationship every parent wants to have with her child, especially a single mom of a black son. Melanin is dark, very dark. He's gifted and shy. In his own words he wears 'alone.' He has his close childhood buddies and he's got his first serious crush at almost fourteen. Besides trying to work up the nerve to talk to Angie, who is sooooo fine, he has no real worries until his mom brings home Kristen. Now, Melanin was quite happy that his mom showed no interest in marrying some guy, but when his mother reveals she loves Kristen, who is white on top of everything else, Melanin loses it. It's not easy and there are some pretty tough words exchanged, lot of hurt feelings, but their bond is strong. Woodson typically doesn't wrap up stories fairy tale style. She's realistic and real can also mean hopeful. Woodson is honest, subtle, clear and authentic as always. Slim volume will appeal to reluctant readers. The subject matter will appeal to a broad audience from middle school through high school.
