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Black Dove, White Raven

Review

Black Dove, White Raven

Is a promise enough to make you leave your family and country? When Teo’s mother, Delia, a daring pilot, dies in a crash, Delia’s best friend, Rhoda, takes Teo and her own daughter, Emilia, to Ethiopia. Teo’s family is Ethiopian, and Rhoda hopes that they can leave the judgment and racism in 1930s America and find peace in their new country. But can this forged family truly make a new home where Emilia and Rhoda are always viewed as white ferenjis (foreigners)? As war approaches and danger looms ahead, important decisions must be made to save the family.

"This intriguing, emotionally charged novel is new and different from most teen books, and attacks the heavy themes of racism, sexism and war."

Written in short entries by both Teo and Emilia, BLACK DOVE, WHITE RAVEN follows the children as they are forced to grow up due to the changing world around them. This intriguing, emotionally charged novel is new and different from most teen books, and attacks the heavy themes of racism, sexism and war. Written from an unusual historical perspective, BLACK DOVE, WHITE RAVEN addresses the effects of imperialism, tradition and war through a meaningful, yet fun story. Emilia and Teo will capture readers’ hearts with their friendship and spirited adventures, both the ones they make up as children and the real ones they live out. I highly recommend this to any teen looking for a thought-provoking story with page-turning action.

Reviewed by Emily P., Teen Board member on February 10, 2015

Black Dove, White Raven
by Elizabeth Wein