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From award-winning and bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes comes a powerful coming-of-age story about two brothers, one who presents as white, the other as black, and the complex ways in which they are forced to navigate the world, all while training for a fencing competition -- now in paperback!Framed. Bullied. Disliked. But I know I can still be the best. Sometimes, 12-year-old Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few black boys at Middlefield Prep, most of the students don't look like him. They don't like him either. Dubbing him Black Brother, Donte's teachers and classmates make it clear they wish he were more like his lighter-skinned brother, Trey. When he's bullied and framed by the captain of the fencing team, King Alan, he's suspended from school and arrested for something he didn't do. Terrified, searching for a place where he belongs, Donte joins a local youth center and meets former Olympic fencer Arden Jones. With Arden's help, he begins training as a competitive fencer, setting his sights on taking down the fencing team captain, no matter what. As Donte hones his fencing skills and grows closer to achieving his goal, he learns the fight for justice is far from over. Now Donte must confront his bullies, racism, and the corrupt systems of power that led to his arrest. Powerful and emotionally gripping, Black Brother, Black Brother is a careful examination of the school-to-prison pipeline and follows one boy's fight against racism and his empowering path to finding his voice.

Title: Black Brother, Black Brother

Author: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Genre: Fiction, Historical, Coming-of-Age

Age Range: 12+

Synopsis:

In the heart of the Civil War, two brothers, Donte and Trey, must navigate the challenges of growing up in a world divided by race and war. Donte, the elder brother, longs to join the fight for freedom and equality, while Trey, the younger, yearns for a life of peace and stability. As they face the hardships of war and the racism that permeates society, the brothers must rely on each other and their newfound family to find hope and strength.

Main Characters:

Donte: The elder brother, Donte is a courageous and determined young man who dreams of fighting for the Union Army. He is fiercely loyal to his family and friends and possesses a strong sense of justice.

Trey: The younger brother, Trey, is thoughtful and introspective. He longs for a life of peace and stability but recognizes the importance of fighting for freedom and equality. He is a talented artist and finds solace in expressing his emotions through his art.

Setting:

Black Brother, Black Brother is set in the United States during the Civil War. The story primarily takes place in the state of Virginia, where the brothers and their family reside. The novel vividly portrays the hardships and struggles faced by African Americans during this turbulent period in history.

Themes:

The novel explores various themes, including the bonds of brotherhood, the fight for freedom and equality, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of family and community. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by African Americans during the Civil War era, highlighting the racism and discrimination they endured.

Reviews:

Black Brother, Black Brother has received critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling, powerful characters, and exploration of important historical themes. It has been praised for its ability to transport readers to the past and make them feel connected to the characters and their struggles. The novel has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Award and the Newbery Honor Award.

Conclusion:

Black Brother, Black Brother is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that offers a glimpse into the lives of two brothers growing up during the Civil War. With its powerful storytelling and memorable characters, the book serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, or books that explore the fight for freedom and equality.