A Song for Two Homes
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
From the New York Times Bestselling author of Raising Fences and the award-winning illustrator of Mama Africa!, comes a moving and lyrical picture book about a girl navigating her parents' divorce, featuring a Black family, two homes, and whole lot of love.
Auset's parents tell her the divorce wasn't her fault, but she got split in two too. Now she has two homes, two rooms, two Christmases, and two birthday parties. It's tough to deal with her parents' divorce, but at least she has the songs of Sweet Honey and the Rock and Bob Marley to help her through. Plus, she has her therapist, and her stuffed animal Dolphie the Dolphin, who is an excellent listener.
With two loving parents doing their best, here is a look at Black families, divorce, and how difficult it is for kids to go through. But with time and support, and everyone doing their best to keep it real, there's healing and strength on the other side.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Datcher's rendering of a child's thoughtful voice and Palmer's distinctive, bold-hued illustrations together limn a Black youth's view of parental divorce. While Auset's parents try to highlight small joys following their split—like double celebrations for birthdays and holidays—the child feels that "I got split/ In two/ too." A homemade dolphin ("My secret therapist"), inspiring lyrics from iconic musicians (Sweet Honey in the Rock, Bob Marley), school lessons, and a love of science help Auset stay grounded across two househoulds and "One heart/ Which feels/ Unlucky/ When it's broken." Expressive brushstrokes add movement and emotion to the acrylic-rendered scenes throughout a resonant portrait of unexpected change that focuses on emotional upheaval and quiet resilience. Ages 4–8.
