I have just read a wonderful book for young adults that highlights issues of diversity. The book is called Drita My Homegirl by: Jenny Lombard. This book needs to be a part of every school library collection because it represents a relationship that is sincere and it shows young readers that they shouldn't judge someone just because he/she is different from them. The story allows the reader to see the world through the eyes of a Kosovo runaway, and through the eyes of an African-American girl. Both girls are experiencing the same thing but in a much different way. Through Drita, the reader gets to see what life is like as an outsider to a new school when there are culture and language barriers. Through Maxie, the reader gets to see the inside perspective of how a new student is judged and received by the class.
In this story the author has allowed for there to be two starring roles, one for Drita, and one for Maxie. Each chapter alternates between the two girl's lives, allowing the reader to see the story from both perspectives. Drita is sharing her story of being the new girl to a town and school that are completely foreign to her. Drita's family has fled from Kosovo, pronounced Kosova by her, to come to America for a safer and better life. When they reach America to meet up with Drita's father, who has already been there a year, they find that it is not as wonderful as they had hoped it would be. Drita has a hard time fitting in at school because she cannot communicate with those around her that well. Drita's mother goes through a serious depression because her cousin is missing and she fears the worst.
On the other hand, there is Maxie. Maxie's life has been troubled for the past two years ever since her mother was killed in a car accident. Maxie finds that she cannot seem to control herself at school or home and ends up in trouble a lot. She has a lot to deal with as a ten year old girl. Her father and grandmother try to help her as much as possible, but she has trouble letting them help her without upsetting them or herself. Although, Maxie is not welcoming of Drita at first the girls continue to have run-ins at school that start to link them together. The book guides your through their struggles and allows them to help each other through the tough times together.
Every child at some point in his/her life will feel left out or overlooked. Therefore, I think this book is an eye-opener for students who are new to a school or know someone knew to a school that needs some help fitting in. This story is a great example of finding friendship in those who are different and not fleeing from them because of their differences.
This book reminds the reader of the importance of acceptance and gives the reader a chance to see the situation from both perspectives. Not all books allow the reader to have this opportunity so it was neat to be able to share Drita's uncomfortable move/transition and Maxie's challenging situation within the same book.
The story taught me that I shouldn't be scared of new situations or new people. Whether there are cultural differences or language barriers, there is still an opportunity to find a way to communicate and share with one another. This book would be great to share with intermediate aged children because it would give them a chance to see how different their lives can be from those around them. I think that this book could offer students a chance to visit a life that they don't know and help them learn to respect others who aren't just like them.
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