The Shimmershine Queens

Activist/artist/author Camille Yarbrough tells the story of two best friends learning to find their inner strength through pride for their heritage. Angie's got a lot of worries. For starters, her dad just moved out and her mom's always sick. Then there's a gang at school that taunts her about her dark skin and kinky hair. At times it feels like the whole world is crashing down on her. For Angie, daydreaming is her only escape. That is until ninety-year-old Cousin Seatta comes to visit and teaches Angie about a different kind of dreaming . . . the kind slaves used to do to keep their courage up. Cousin Seatta tells Angie how to achieve her dreams by speaking up for herself. And as Angie begins to find her inner strength, she discovers the shimmershine feeling and gains new respect for her African heritage.  * "A vivid depiction of the troubles facing students in inner-city schools. A brave book."— Booklist , starred review "This book is a gem."— Essence