Sulwe was very aware of her dark skin because the children at
school called her names that made her feel ugly, while her lighter skinned
sister was not singled out. She tried to make her skin lighter by eating
pale foods and by using cosmetics to lighten her look, but nothing worked.
She took the problem to her mother, who treated Sulwe to a story about mythical
sisters - one who was light and one who was dark. The two sisters learned
to balance their relationship by appreciating the beauty and talents of each
other. Sulwe saw that she needed to accept herself inside and out.
Harrison's illustrations are vibrant with soft edges to convey the emotions of a
young girl who has a lot to learn about the world. The author's note
gives readers a hint that Sulwe's story is partly biographical. This book
has the potential to help any child who is singled out because of appearance,
no matter how light or dark their skin, the texture of their hair, or their
physical structure. Self acceptance is a life-long journey for most
everyone.
Lynette Suckow, Superiorland Preview Center, Marquette, MI
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