when the black girl sings by Bil wright

Loooved this book! simply because I related to her...uuumm and read it three times!

This was a really touching book about a black girl, Lahni, who was adopted by a white couple when she was a baby. She's in the 8th grade now, and is trying to figure out who she really is while also dealing with her parents' failing marriage. She finds comfort (and passion) in singing her heart out with a gospel choir. (Which sounds UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING) If only characters could come to life.

I loved the characters and I was REALLY impressed by the author's ability to make the music come to life, through text. I felt the intensity and emotion of the music, even without having to hear it, which I think is an incredible! Her life is full of haters, being the only black girl, guys are too afraid to ask her out, because of what people will think of them, and girls to befriend for the same reason. What Lahni does know is that she doesn't fit in, that her comfort zone involves keeping to herself, sometimes not even telling her best friend, Katie, everything, and that she has to be strong, especially for her mother, and that somewhere inside she has this amazing voice.

Her teacher knows this, too, and wants Lahni to sing in a competition. Of course, Lahni isn't so sure about this, since it is out of her comfort zone, and she just doesn't think she could do it. Then the perfect timing comes into place when she decides to sing for her church choir; what a better way to practice singing, especially in front of a live audience. She not only surprises herself with this bold move, but also her mother. It's finally a place for Lahni to improve, to fit in, to forget all of her worries that continue to trouble her. It is the perfect escape. Just as long as she knows she has her friends and the ones she loves by her side, she can accomplish anything.

I DO wish that the story had taken a SLIGHTLY different approach to the ending, though. You know... I was hoping a guy would finally ask her out and prove a point? From her description you could tell she was ah-mazingly pretty. I'm not too much of a girly girl...but cant help myself and look forward to that, you know... romantic happy ending!

"WHEN THE BLACK GIRL SINGS" is an inspirational story that could make you realise your wrongs and see life from a different point of view (thats what it did for me). The story of a girl who never fit in until she finally embraced her talent and turned it into something beautiful, shows how anyone, regardless of race, or gender, or size, can easily accomplish anything, just as long as they know they can. This is an awesome read!!! and I of all people would know so pick it up as soon as possible (if a teenager)! :D