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About
Sharp, timely, and unforgettable -- A Drop of Color is a coming-of-age story about belonging, betrayal, and Black girlhood.
Seventeen-year-old Gabrielle thinks she knows where she belongs. At her predominantly white high school, she plays her role in the popular crowd. At home, she is the dutiful Nigerian daughter. Most of the time, she convinces herself that her dark skin doesn't matter. Usually, she believes she can balance both worlds.
But when a racist incident erupts within her social circle, everything Gabrielle thought she understood about herself -- and her friends -- begins to unravel. Taking a stand means risking her place among the popular kids, and choosing authenticity may mean finishing her senior year alone. To move forward, Gabrielle must confront the complexities of being both Black American and Nigerian, and find the strength to exist in the space between.
With razor-sharp honesty and emotional depth, debut author Elizabeth Ese delivers a coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers navigating identity, belonging, and the weight of expectation.
Perfect for fans of The Hate U Give, All American Boys, and The Black Kids, A Drop of Color is a timely and compelling novel that challenges readers to reckon with racism, embrace their heritage, and discover the power of self-acceptance.
Elizabeth Ese is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her BA in Political Science, as well as the London School of Economics, where she earned a Master's in Public Policy. As the child of Nigerian immigrants, Elizabeth has always sought out stories where she could see herself and her culture reflected. She has striven to tell stories highlighting the beauty and complexity of Black girlhood. A Drop of Color is her literary debut. Ese is based in Washington, D.C.
Seventeen-year-old Gabrielle thinks she knows where she belongs. At her predominantly white high school, she plays her role in the popular crowd. At home, she is the dutiful Nigerian daughter. Most of the time, she convinces herself that her dark skin doesn't matter. Usually, she believes she can balance both worlds.
But when a racist incident erupts within her social circle, everything Gabrielle thought she understood about herself -- and her friends -- begins to unravel. Taking a stand means risking her place among the popular kids, and choosing authenticity may mean finishing her senior year alone. To move forward, Gabrielle must confront the complexities of being both Black American and Nigerian, and find the strength to exist in the space between.
With razor-sharp honesty and emotional depth, debut author Elizabeth Ese delivers a coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers navigating identity, belonging, and the weight of expectation.
Perfect for fans of The Hate U Give, All American Boys, and The Black Kids, A Drop of Color is a timely and compelling novel that challenges readers to reckon with racism, embrace their heritage, and discover the power of self-acceptance.
Elizabeth Ese is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her BA in Political Science, as well as the London School of Economics, where she earned a Master's in Public Policy. As the child of Nigerian immigrants, Elizabeth has always sought out stories where she could see herself and her culture reflected. She has striven to tell stories highlighting the beauty and complexity of Black girlhood. A Drop of Color is her literary debut. Ese is based in Washington, D.C.