Blended Literary Elements

Realistic fiction; middle-grade novel exploring themes of identity, family dynamics, and racial tension.

The novel is set in a contemporary, suburban American environment, with much of the action taking place in school, homes, and public spaces. The story captures the challenges faced by a biracial girl in a modern, multicultural society.

The story is narrated in the first person by Isabella, a 12-year-old biracial girl. Her perspective provides readers with a direct, personal view of her struggles with identity, family, and belonging.

The tone is introspective and honest, with moments of warmth and humor balanced by serious and emotional undertones. The mood is reflective and sometimes tense, as Isabella navigates the complexities of her life.

The protagonist is Isabella, who is trying to find her place in a divided world. The antagonists are the societal pressures, stereotypes, and family conflicts that challenge her sense of self.

The primary conflict centers on Isabella's struggle to reconcile her mixed-race identity while dealing with her parents’ divorce and their very different approaches to parenting.

The climax occurs when Isabella is caught in a terrifying and racially charged incident involving police, forcing her and those around her to confront deeply rooted biases and fears.

Early discussions of Isabella’s experiences with racial microaggressions and her parents’ tense interactions foreshadow the larger, more dramatic events that unfold later in the story.

Isabella often uses casual remarks to describe painful situations, such as her discomfort during her parents' arguments or her feelings of being split between two worlds, underscoring her emotional resilience.

The novel references cultural and social issues, including racism, police violence, and the challenges of being biracial, connecting Isabella’s personal story to broader societal themes.

Draper vividly describes Isabella’s piano playing, likening it to her emotions and inner struggles. The contrasting depictions of her parents’ homes emphasize her divided life.

Isabella loves both her parents deeply but feels torn between them, highlighting the paradox of being "whole" yet feeling "split" by their separation and differing cultural backgrounds.

The alternating weeks Isabella spends with each parent parallel her internal conflict about her mixed-race identity, showing how external division mirrors her inner struggles.

The piano in the story symbolizes Isabella’s identity and the harmony she seeks in her life, while the act of blending music reflects her desire to blend the disparate parts of herself.

The piano seems to take on a life of its own, representing Isabella's voice and providing an outlet for her emotions when words fail.