For Black Girls Like Me

Makeda June Kirkland is eleven-years-old, adopted, and black. Her parents and big sister are white, and even though she loves her family very much, Makeda often feels left out. When Makeda’s family moves from Maryland to New Mexico, she leaves behind her best friend, Lenathe only other adopted black girl she knowsfor a new life. In New Mexico, everything is different. At home, Makedas sister is too cool to hang out with her anymore and at school, she cant seem to find one true friend.

Through it all, Makeda cant help wondering: What would it feel like to grow up with a family that looks like me?

Through singing, dreaming, and writing secret messages back and forth with Lena, Makeda might just carve a small place for herself in the world.