The Shimmershine Queens (Paperstar) - Softcover

Yarbrough, Camille

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0698113691 ISBN 13: 9780698113695

Publisher: Puffin Books, 1996

Synopsis

Activist/artist/author Camille Yarbrough tells the story of two best friends learning to find their inner strength through pride for their heritage.

Angie's got a lot of worries. For starters, her dad just moved out and her mom's always sick. Then there's a gang at school that taunts her about her dark skin and kinky hair. At times it feels like the whole world is crashing down on her. For Angie, daydreaming is her only escape. That is until ninety-year-old Cousin Seatta comes to visit and teaches Angie about a different kind of dreaming . . . the kind slaves used to do to keep their courage up. Cousin Seatta tells Angie how to achieve her dreams by speaking up for herself. And as Angie begins to find her inner strength, she discovers the shimmershine feeling and gains new respect for her African heritage. 
* "A vivid depiction of the troubles facing students in inner-city schools. A brave book."—Booklist, starred review

"This book is a gem."—Essence

About this title

About the Author:

Camille Yarbrough (camilleyarbrough.com) is an American musician, actress, poet, activist, television producer, and author.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 5-8 Shimmershine, according to Angie's elderly cousin, is that good feeling and pride which people have in their racial heritage and physical features. Ten-year-old Angie desperately needs this shimmershine to overcome the taunts from her classmates about her dark complexion and kinky hair, as well as the negative feelings that she has about her parents' separation. With the help of a friend, Angie learns how to be her own person by speaking up for herself and standing her ground against a group of class bullies. Her participation in a special dance and drama class, conducted by a dynamic teacher who instills in her students an appreciation for their African heritage, enables Angie to blossom and finally earn the respect of her taunting classmates. Yarbrough sensitively tackles the issue of color distinctions among blacks. Black dialect is used in dialogue throughout, and Angie's characterization, more so than that of some other characters, is consistent. (The appearance at the very end of Angie's father seems a bit contrived, although very welcome.) The vital part in which an arts program can play in a curriculum as well as in a young person's development is effectively demonstrated. Angie is a dreamer and wants a better life for her family, and perhaps this shimmershine feeling that she gets at the end will enable her to fulfill these dreams. Jeanette Lambert, LaVega School, Waco, Tex.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0698113691
• ISBN 13: 9780698113695
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 144