Description
What does it truly mean to be Black? At Timberlake High Zuri is constantly reminded from her peers and staff that her long dreadlocks and hazelnut skin is not welcomed nor appreciated. Timberlake High student population is ninety-one percent white. There aren't many minorities. The only reason Zuri and the other nine percent of the population attend that prestigious school is because the school needs to look 'diverse.' Black History Month is coming up and Timberlake High is having its first Black History Program. Zuri was assigned to be the choreographer but struggles to cooperate with her ignorant white director. One of her best friends (Maya) also struggles with separating 'Hood Maya' from 'Prep Maya.' With the guidance of her friends and loved ones (including her teacher Mrs. A) she learns to love her self and where she comes from. Ms. A is the only black teacher at Timberlake High and is known for her high passing rates as an AP Lang teacher. She's also Zuri's neighbor, a close 'mother figure,' and one of Zuri's best friend's (Ashanti) mother. Ms. A fled to the United States to escape her royal duties in Africa. One phone call changes her life dragging her back to her homeland "Zuhana." (Pronunciation: Zoo-ana. The 'h' is silent.) Zuri, Ashanti, and Maya nosy selves end up making Ms. A bring them with her. Mrs. A also end's up bringing an entire class to Zuhana as an upperclassmen field trip. The purpose of the field trip was to inform the students about her culture and to show the beauty of being black. Zuri uses this trip as inspiration for her choreography. Unexpectedly, she also makes friends with one of Zuhana's royals. But who knows, maybe it turns to more than just a friendship. Follow Zuri, her best friends, and Mrs. A along their journey to discover what it means to be truly black, beautiful, and empowering.
Main Characters
