Description

Blended

Eleven-year-old Isabella navigates a life marked by the complexities of her parent’s divorce, which forces her to alternate between two distinct households each week. In one week, she embraces Isabella’s identity, living in a lavish home with her father, his girlfriend Anastasia, and her son Darren. This environment, while comfortable, is tinged with the awareness that they are one of the few black families in their predominantly white neighborhood. The following week, she transforms into Izzy, relishing the warmth of her mother’s smaller, cozier home, where her mother’s boyfriend, John-Mark, adds a different flavor to her life. Each transition is not merely a change of scenery; it is a shift in her essence, as she adapts to the expectations and dynamics of each family unit.

Caught in this dual existence, Isabella grapples with a profound sense of division. The tension between her parents has escalated since their separation, with their arguments often revolving around her, leaving her feeling like a pawn in their ongoing conflict. This tug-of-war has led her to a painful realization: her life is not just about moving between homes and adopting different names but the struggle to forge a coherent identity amidst the chaos.

With a black father and a white mother, Isabella frequently encounters the bewildering comments of strangers who label her as “exotic” or question her racial identity. These remarks serve as a constant reminder that she does not fit neatly into either category, leaving her to ponder the implications of being perceived as only half of each parent. The weight of these expectations and the emotional turmoil of her parents’ disputes leave her feeling increasingly fragmented.

Just when it seems that Isabella’s family may never find common ground again, an unexpected and harrowing event shatters their fragile existence. A routine outing with Darren takes a terrifying turn when they are confronted by the police, who mistakenly identify a cell phone as a weapon. In the chaos that ensues, gunshots ring out, thrusting Isabella into a nightmare that forces her to confront the harsh realities of her world. This incident not only threatens her safety but also compels her to reevaluate her understanding of family, identity, and belonging in a society that often sees her as an outsider. The experience becomes a pivotal moment in her journey, challenging her to seek a sense of wholeness in a life that has always felt divided.

The fear and confusion that envelop her as she witnesses the police’s aggressive approach toward Darren—a boy she considers a brother—force her to confront the harsh realities of race and identity in a way she never anticipated. The incident leaves an indelible mark on her psyche, amplifying her feelings of vulnerability and the precariousness of her existence as a biracial child in a society that often views her through a lens of stereotypes and assumptions.

In the aftermath of the encounter, Isabella finds herself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The incident becomes a catalyst for her to reflect on her own identity and the complexities of her family dynamics. She begins to question the safety of her environments—both at her father’s home, where privilege and comfort coexist with the weight of racial scrutiny, and at her mother’s, where love and warmth are sometimes overshadowed by economic struggles and societal perceptions. The juxtaposition of these two worlds becomes even more pronounced as she navigates the fallout from the police encounter, leading her to feel even more isolated in her experiences.

As the days pass, Isabella’s relationship with both her parents becomes strained. Her father, who has always been protective, becomes increasingly anxious and defensive, while her mother, who has always encouraged open dialogue, struggles to find the right words to comfort her daughter. The tension between them escalates, with each parent inadvertently projecting their fears and frustrations onto Isabella. She feels the weight of their expectations and the burden of their unresolved issues, which only deepens her sense of fragmentation. In her quest for understanding, Isabella turns to art as an outlet for her emotions. She begins to sketch and paint, using colors and shapes to express the turmoil within her.

Her artwork becomes a sanctuary, a place where she can explore her feelings of confusion, fear, and hope without judgment. Through her creations, she starts to visualize her dual identity—not as a conflict, but as a tapestry woven from the threads of her experiences with both families. Each stroke of her brush becomes a step toward self-acceptance, allowing her to embrace the complexity of her existence. As the weeks go by, Isabella’s art catches the attention of her teachers, who encourage her to participate in a local art exhibition. This opportunity becomes a turning point for her, as she realizes that her voice can be powerful and that her experiences, though painful, can resonate with others.

Sharon M. Draper

About The Author

Sharon M. Draper stands out as both a dedicated educator and a talented author, making significant contributions to the world of literature and education. Her exceptional skills in teaching have earned her the prestigious title of National Teacher of the Year, a recognition that highlights her commitment to inspiring and shaping young minds. Draper’s literary prowess is equally impressive; she has been awarded the Coretta Scott King Literary Award five times, a testament to her ability to craft stories that resonate deeply with readers and reflect important cultural themes.

As a New York Times bestselling author, Draper has captivated audiences with her compelling narratives and relatable characters, drawing from her rich experiences in the classroom and her passion for storytelling. Her works often explore the complexities of identity, family, and resilience, making them not only engaging but also profoundly impactful. Through her writing, she has created a space for young readers to see themselves and their struggles, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.

Residing in Cincinnati, Ohio, Draper continues to influence both her students and her readers with her unwavering dedication to education and literature. Her dual role as an educator and author allows her to bridge the gap between the classroom and the literary world, inspiring a new generation of writers and thinkers. With each book she publishes, Draper not only shares her voice but also encourages others to find and express their own, leaving a lasting legacy in both fields.