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Darkskin and Redbones

by Kevin Brown

A young woman weighs belonging against her values

Regular price $13.55 USD
Regular price $16.94 USD Sale price $13.55 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

A young woman weighs belonging against her values

Mahogany Brown’s struggle begins with repeated taunts about her dark skin and the rejection of a boyfriend who chooses someone else. The bullying feeds her self-hatred, leaving her drawn to Makai and the freedom he seems to offer from feeling unwanted and from the sheltered life her family provides. As his intentions come into question, Mahogany faces choices involving family, a new friendship, her morals, and the possibility of revenge. The story brings colorism and self-esteem into a young adult coming-of-age conflict, with Mahogany’s decisions at the center.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in coming-of-age fiction.
  • Readers seeking fiction about colorism, bullying, and self-esteem.
  • Readers interested in stories about loyalty, family, and difficult choices.

Themes

Colorism and bullyingSelf-esteem and belongingFamily and loyaltyMorality and choice

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"You so black..." repeated over and over in Mahogany Brown's mind like the chorus to a sad song, killing her soul, softly.

 

"You so black..." is how the joke begins. When the joke ends, laughter, teasing and bullying follows. Not to mention getting dumped by her then boyfriend, Tafari, in favor of Malikah, the redbone goddess that all the boys worship. From that point on, Mahogany despises the dark brown skin she's in. With her self-esteem low and her self-hatred high, Mahogany meets a charming corner thug named Makai.

Mahogany's attraction to Makai is more than just the idea of being the girlfriend of a thug that she often day-dreams about and immortalizes on her drawing pad. It's the freedom he offers. Freedom from feeling ugly and unwanted. Freedom from being sheltered from the street life. But with freedom, comes a price.

Soon, Makai's true intentions are revealed and Mahogany has a choice to make. Will Mahogany choose Makai or her family? Her new friend, Karisma, or her morals? Will she get revenge on Malikah for stealing her man? The wrong choice can mean the end of the life as Mahogany knows it.

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