Woodson, Jacqueline. THE DEAR ONE. New York: Speak, 1991. ISBN 0142501905
Twelve year old Feni's comfortable world is turned upside down when her mother opens up their home to a pregnant 15 year old girl, Rebecca. Feni is an African-American girl who has lived a privileged lifestyle and her beliefs and idealogy are challenged when she begins to befriend this 15 year old who has been living a vastly different lifestyle. The two girls form a strong friendship as they decide to be open to learning about new things.
From the beginning we see a picture of Feni's privileged life and Feni's mother wants her to understand and appreciate it in relationship to her being black. "Black professionals are special, Feni. The kids should be proud of who they are." Feni pretends not to care about having money and things that others do not, but when confronted by Rebecca she begins to see how different her life is. Rebecca tells her to trade beds so Feni would have to sleep on a cot and Feni angrily gives in to prove to herself and Rebecca she is not who she appears to be. "Trade beds with me. You got that big bed with that soft mattress. I know, 'cause I felt it. That's how your whole life's been, isn't it? All rich and soft."
Another contrast between the 2 girls and a cultural marker in some aspects is the character's language. When Feni and Rebecca meet for the first time Rebecca comments on "those fishes" in their fish tank and is corrected by Feni. Rebecca fires back at Feni, "Look. Just 'cause I'm in your ritzy little house,' she hissed, 'doesn't mean you gonna teach me how to talk and tell me what to do. I don't want to be in this mansion in the boring country nohow!" Rebecca later accuses Feni of not acting black because of terms she doesn't understand. Rebecca talks about a friend getting "cracked out." "Learn the language already,' Rebecca said. 'God! You're black. Talk like it.' "
Another strong cultural marker comes near the end of the book when Feni explains her name is Swahili. Feni tells Rebecca, "It's short for Afeni, which means 'the Dear One.' "
Feni wraps up the truths she learned for herself as a black girl and for readers when she sees her family and friends as "a long line of dear ones." The truths apply to anyone struggling to seek people as people, regardless of color or background.
HORN BOOK GUIDE - "Woodson's strikingly original story, with its richly developed characters, makes this a welcome reissue."
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY - "Woodson's deep understanding of and concern for the role of black women in society is evident as she eloquently introduces the reader to teenage pregnancy, alternate lifestyles and adoption in her moving, powerful story."
Other books by Jacqueline Woodson:
BETWEEN MADISON AND PALMETTO
ISBN 9780399237577
MIRACLE'S BOYS
ISBN 9780399231131
LOCOMOTION
ISBN 9780142401491
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