Oreo
Oreo
Oreo
Valerique Williams
Thirty years ago when Jayenia’s parents immigrated from Africa to America and worked their way from the bottom up to secure a life for their children that they could not have, they never dreamed it would result in the unavoidable unhappiness of their youngest daughter. For Jayenia, growing up in white suburbia as an African American girl takes a toll on her self image and skews her understanding of who she thinks she is suppose to be. When she looks in the mirror she does not like what she sees: Too black on the outside to be white and too white on the inside to be black, leaving Jayenia feeling confused and alone during what should be a "fun" time in her life. According to her, everything is wrong about her: Her hair, her skin, her voice, the way she acts, everything! On top of all this she is just entering high school, which she happens to be excited about, until after the first day. Oreo, sheds light on what many African Americans go through when trying to fit into a society that has not always been a fan of dark skin. While being ridiculed by her own race and rejected by the other Jayenia has mental battles with herself that result in what will be some of the most difficult times of her adolescent life.

Book Details

Genre: 

  • Fiction

Age Level: 

  • 12 and up
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In the book Oreo, by Valerique Williams, Jayenia is trying to figure out who she is, because she is too black on the outside to be white, but too white on the inside to be black. She thinks high school will be a great time but does not think that after the first day. Jayenia must try to figure out who she is and who she wants to be. She wants to fit in society, but she feels as if she isn't living up to who a black person should really be.

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Jayenia, a fourteen year old African American girl, is confused about who she is and who she thinks she is expected to be. She feels alone and and struggles with race issues internally and externally. Through the stress of starting highschool and not being excepted by peers, Oreo shares what many African Americans go through in fitting in racially and socially, and the mental struggles they face about themselves.

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