A terrible but compelling story of a young man forced to pretend something he's not at a very fraught time in American history.

I knew what I was going to rate this before I even cracked it open. If you didn’t know, this is a Kim Johnson stan account. I have loved literally everything by her. And no, not because her debut was set in my hometown lol But just because all of them are so freaking good. And this one is no different.

Ok so basically if you know me, you know that I am NOT a historical fiction fan. BUT when it’s Black (or apparently when it’s Kim Johnson) I’m going to read it. And this one was so good! Like past good! I was a bit iffy because of the “passing” aspect because personal reasons, but I know they did it for safety reasons back then and I know there were additional scary consequences that might occur if they were caught, but it still hurts to know they had to do that. (This is my biggest problem with historicals. People of color were always done wrong and it always hurts more than it should for me.) This time was even worse for me because the main charcter is a teen boy. I hated seeing that he couldn’t experience the normal teen things with people he was comfortable with. He was looking over his shoulder all the time because of what his family was doing and I hated it.

The plot is a bit of an interesting one. When I heard Johnson talk about it at TLA and she called it at social justice thriller, I wasn’t exactly sure what she meant by that. But after reading it, that was indeed the right name for it. So many times that I was for sure Calvin would get caught and he would be in more trouble than he already was. Each time he dared to do anything foolish my heart was racing for him. As a teen librarian I’ve trained myself to read with my teen brain and not really look at the books through a mom lens, but with this one, I felt more mom like than I had in a long time. I was scared for him and the other person they have with them. And yes I know it was fiction, but that’s the type of chokehold Johnson’s books have on me lol

The other part of this book that I found interesting was it basically gave a very clear view at systemic racism. Now some people are going to look at this and say no this didn’t happen or that doesn’t exist, but it indeed happened and still does happen today. They make it harder or the prices higher for Black folks to own houses and so we don’t. The author’s note goes more into detail, but I really think this would be a great book to help teach what it actually is instead of people making up their own definitions. But that’s all I’ll say on that. Before we know it, this will be the next book banned.

The characters were so good tho! I was proud of Calvin for many things, but I also wanted to wring his next at many things he did. I loved his lil girlfriend tho. She was too cute! I was sad that they spent most of their time worried they’d be caught. Now Calvin’s mom and dad? Yeah I was mad af at them. BUT I understood them. That was a hard decision to make and his dad made the best one he could. And for that, I don’t fault him.

The only thing I didn’t care for was the ending. It felt a bit rushed. Like this slow burn burned all the way to the end and then there was this huge build up and then nothing happened. I think I wanted more action? Idk if it was going to be built up that much, I at least wanted them to almost get caught or something? But also, they spent the whole book running so I’m not sure if this is just a me thing.

And since this is a historical, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the things that made it a historical. There was music mentioned, there was the housing and school zone disparities, and a very cool person that shows up, but I won’t say who to avoid spoilers. Definitely a very cool book historical wise. And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t actually like history lol (yes I’m a real librarian lol)

This book was everything I expected it to be and more. I loved this book and I’m not ashamed to say I pushed it off to my mom too lol She is excited to read it after I’ve been building it up and everything. But I’ve told her multiple times, it’s well deserved!

GENERAL INFO

The Color of a Lie- a standalone

Pub Date:: 6/11/24, Read 6/7/24

Format: eBook, 327 kindle

Source: Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers for this ARC🩶 !  I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Setting: Chicago and Levittown, PA

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Multicultural Interests

Tropes: coming of age, LQBTQIA+ rep

HEA/HFN ending: HEA

Epilogue Included: yes, 2 years later in college

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Synopsis/Plot Summary: Calvin and his family move from their black community in Chicago after terrible loss to Levittown-an all white suburban neighbor. They are African Americans passing as white-light-skinned enough for a white world. Calvin resists lying, but follows his parents rules to fit in. He has issues making friends, secretly meets with his estranged brother Robert, and gets involved in one of the most important movements in history..

Flashbacks: Calvin remembers what happened to break up his family in Chicago and being raised by his military father.

Jealy/Possy/OTT H/h : the next door neighbor Mary is a stalker. Calvin is a little jealous of Eugene and Harry for liking Lily.

Amount of Sex In The Book: kissing and off page s*x

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Calvin Greene- a junior in high school. Starts at Heritage-an all white school, meets supposed friends Ben, Alex, and Darren.

Agnes and William Greene-Calvin's parents, both able to pass as white.

Robert-Calvin's brother who cannot pass for white, lives in the next town and runs an all black boarding school Sojourner with his boyfriend James. He was disowned by his father before they left Chicago.

Charlotte: Robert's twin who died in a house fire in Chicago.

Lily-a black student who comes to sing at Sojourner. Calvin likes her but when she tries to go to Heritage it causes problems for everyone.

Ray-Calvin's BFF in Chicago, was Emmett Till's cousin.

Mr. Vernon-the self-proclaimed mayor of Levittown. Sold house to the Greene's. Doesn't want to integrate Levittown. He runs a realty company that uses unfair practices for blacks looking to rent/buy houses.

AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Kim Johnson-a new to me author

PERSONAL OVERVIEW

Overall Rating: 5⭐

Do You Recommend This Book: yes

Will You Re-read This Book: no, too triggering

Would You Read More Books by this Author: yes

COMMENTS/NOTES: I loved getting such a personal story on what passing is, the sundown rule in certain towns, what Calvin and his father did working for the Green Book, the famous Brown vs Board of Education court case, and "separate but equal." Putting real figures such as MLK. Thurgood Marshall, Emmett Till, and Rosa Parks in Calvin's story during the civil rights era is brilliant. Homosexuality and Jewish hate is also mentioned, and what "separate but equal" meant in terms of education and housing. I loved the parallel of Calvin to Invisible Man by the great Ralph Ellison. I'd recommend the movie "Passing" as it addresses its social-economic and mental effects starring Ruth Negga.

This book was AMAZING from start to finish. I couldn't put it down. We've read books about passing from the perspective of adults but what about the teens? This was enlightening and entertaining while having me on the edge of my seat! Ms. Johnson has done it again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book!

This book tells a powerful story about post-WWII America, segregation, and race relations. After a horrible tragedy in Chicago, Calvin and his family move to Pennsylvania and a Levittown neighborhood. Though they are Black, they pass as white. Of course, tension and trouble result from this, culminating with an action-packed, tense conclusion. I teach in Kansas City, which is a very segregated town as a result of housing policies just like those in the book. I plan to offer this novel as a way for students to enhance their understanding of discriminatory housing and real estate policies and think it will really help them better understand their own city.

Inspiring

This book caused me to feel a range of emotions. The strongest feeling was anger. The idea of living in a segregated community in the 1950s is haunting. I was drawn to the plot of an entire household being able to pass as white. Calvin’s loyalty to his roots was admirable. I loved that he wanted to be there for his people. His love for Lily was so sweet. It seemed like she empowered him to become a better person. The pace of the book really picked up at the end. I loved the frenzied tension that came with the chaotic finale. My absolute favorite part of the book was the epilogue. It was perfect. I got a little teary eyed when I read it.

This book will definitely appeal to fans of historical fiction. They’ll love the portrayal of the early days of the Civil Rights movement. Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Books, and Kim Johnson for this advanced copy to review.

I love a little “historical fiction” in a book, the fact that its YA is even better! The text is timely and soooooo relevant to today. This is my first read by Kim Johnson, & it won’t be my last! I was not disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kim Johnson for an Advanced Reader Copy.

This historical fiction book follows the story of Calvin and his family. in 1955 They are a black family, but are passing for white. They move to a white suburb in Pennsylvania after leaving Chicago and have to lay low, so they won't be discovered. Passing as white bothers Calvin, but his parents are adamant that he play the game and keep them all safe. Calvin sees racism firsthand in his new (very white) high school, after Lily, a black girl, decides to integrate the school. A bit too-good-to-be-true and unbelievable (think Forest Gump)--Calvin meets Thurgood Marshall and also knows Emmitt Till. Calvin and friends have to make tough decisions that their lives depend on.

I love that Kim writes socially conscious books for the youth! As an adult reader, I find it timely and highly engaging for young people to read about how race, social inequality, and many other social issues plague our world. Not only does she make these issues the focal point of her writing, but it's nice to see the teenage characters navigating their world as they progress toward adulthood, everything from love relationships and family to knowing who they are and what they want. As a pediatric nurse, I've always been fond of the teenage population and am constantly fascinated by how they navigate such an exciting but tumultuous time in their lives. This is my third time reading a book by this author, and I enjoyed it. I loved the intersectionality of race, passing, and the desire for equality in education. The main character, Calvin, and his family are passing in a majority white community, and there is this tug at Calvin to go along with his parents' wishes but also do what is right and in his heart. The writing was thoughtful, and it felt like I was teleported to the 1950s. Throughout this book, I was on the edge of my seat, especially with the sundown rules. Reading this story reminded me of the sundown scenes in Lovecraft Country. This was a historical adventure of a read!

I recently finished reading "The Color of a Lie" by Kim Johnson, and it was a fantastic read. Even though I don't typically read historical fiction, I found myself completely engrossed in the story.

"The Color of a Lie" is a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of racial injustice and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Johnson's prose resonates with authenticity and compassion, inviting readers to immerse themselves in Calvin's world and bear witness to his transformative journey of self-discovery.

In this timely and thought-provoking novel, Kim Johnson delivers a searing indictment of societal norms and a stirring call to action, urging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths that lie at the heart of America's fraught history of racial inequality. "The Color of a Lie" is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling story that challenges the status quo and inspires hope for a more just and equitable future.

THOUGHTS

I really, really liked this book. Though I have a few nitpicky problems when it comes to immersion here, I think those problems can ultimately be forgiven due to the audience this book is written for. This book dives into an under-explored history that deserves more time in the limelight, and I love that.


PROS
Passing: Kim Johnson takes a very careful and very nuanced look at passing, and I appreciate the complex picture built here. Calvin has, in the past, used passing as a game, something he could play with for the benefit of his friends and his community. But in this new, White-Only neighborhood, that kind of fun element of passing gets replaced by a very strong sense of guilt and dread. It's not passing to grab some food from the diner to split with your buddies. It's passing as a way to move up in life, and that's something Calvin's not sure he wants, even if it's to his benefit.

Under-Explored: There are a lot of niches of history that get glossed over in the retelling, and I really appreciate a book that dives into that not-in-the-history-books history. I really liked Johnson's attention to detail, and I liked learning more about things like the Green Book--a fundamental part of travel for Black Americans in 1955. Along with sundown towns and not-spelled-out-on-paper Whites Only towns, this is history that should be explored more, especially because the history books don't want to include it.

Nerve Wracking: This whole book is laced with a sense of anxiety, because the scheme Calvin's father has concocted is so fragile. One slip-up, one hint of suspicion, and things will go very bad for Calvin's family. Calvin isn't fully on board, and while anyone can respect his need to live authentically, each time he steps out of line, it just ups the ante that much more. The fear of a system rigged against you really just shines strong in this book, highlighted by the casual racism of Calvin's new suburban home.


CONS
Too Modern: I mentioned it above, and I'm sure it will be strikingly clear here. My cons are really quite nitpicky. The fact that Calvin's voice feels a little too 21st century isn't ultimately a major detractor. It was something I noticed, but it wasn't glaring. And it makes sense for the intended audience. But it's still something to note, that our narrator doesn't quite feel 1955.

Anachronisms: With the contemporary sort of narrative voice in mind, there are a few anachronisms that slip into this book--social anachronisms, mostly. Making a casual gay joke in the 1950s doesn't feel like something that would go well socially, you know? Not a major problem, again, but there were a few times where I just felt like these characters might not actually, you know, be living and breathing 1955

Really?: The biggest question I had (and I do mean this genuinely) that pulled me out of the narrative for a good half hour of research was the mention of Lord of the Flies. I couldn't find a definitive answer on this, so maybe American schools really were teaching LOTF the year after it was published, but that feels unlikely to me. Within a few years, sure--jump on that wagon, right? But it feels like such a quick adoption, even for a school with all the funding they could want. Funding doesn't mean much when the book has barely had time to trickle across the Atlantic.


Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8/10
Those who love Richard Wright's Native Son should dive into this book of heavy compromises and crimes that feel less-than-criminal. Those who adore books that center Black voices and Black experiences like The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas should definitely dive into this bit of often overlooked history.

This book was absolutely amazing so I definitely rated it a 5 star read. This is my first book I’ve read from this author and I’m not disappointed in the least. From the first page I was beyond intrigued. Calvin is a high school kid that has just moved from Chicago to a segregated city in Pennsylvania in the 1950s with his mom and dad. His dad fought in the war & was disappointed that America still wouldn’t accept him as a black man when he returned, so he has basically forced his family to pass as white so they can live in a white neighborhood where he bought a house. Calvin absolutely hates this plan and as time goes on has a hard time keeping up the facade. From the friends that he meets, to a black girl named Lily that he starts falling for (that he shouldn’t) it all threatens to expose his true colors. I love historical fiction & loved how the author intertwined real people in the story. This was so well written I loved it from beginning to the end. Definitely a new favorite for this year. Appreciative to the author and publisher for a complementary copy & all opinions are of my own.

As a big fan of historical fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The characters and topics were complex, informative, and interesting. I loved how the author presented the experience of Calvin's passing experience, as it was well-developed and well-rounded. I would most definitely reread this novel to experience the arcs of both Calvin and Lily.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Children's for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The book picked up in the last 30 pages or so. I loved the ending and how the parents were secretly working to better the experience of black people in America. The allusions to Emmett Till and history were well-written and intriguing. I enjoyed this book and will include in my classroom library.

This wove historical events into a text that is timely and relevant today. I loved Kim Johnson’s other book “This is My America,” so I hoped I would love this also. I was not disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kim Johnson for an Advanced Reader Copy.

A historical fiction novel that touches on many important topics involving racism in the United States during the 1950s (and beyond). Segregation, Jim Crow laws, school integration, redlining, sundown towns, the Green Book, Emmett Till--all of these are illustrated in this story about a black family "passing" as white in order to be safer and and attend a white school. How long can you lie about your life and the most basic things about yourself before you fall apart? What harm comes to you when you deny the truth and watch others suffer? This is an important book for young people to learn the history of racism (I really appreciate that this takes place in Pennsylvania) but ultimately it felt more like a history lesson. Unless teens are assigned to read this, I'm not sure how many will pick it up on their own.

Kim Johnson's "The Color of a Lie" is a stunning and thought-provoking novel that tackles issues of race, identity, and justice with intelligence and sensitivity. Set in a small town in Minnesota, the story follows the journey of protagonist, Ailey, as she grapples with the aftermath of a racially charged incident that shakes her community to its core.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its powerful exploration of race and privilege in America. Johnson deftly navigates complex themes such as systemic racism, microaggressions, and allyship, prompting readers to confront their own biases and assumptions.

At the heart of the story is Ailey, a biracial teenager who is forced to confront her own identity and place in the world. As she navigates the challenges of adolescence and strives to find her voice, Ailey's journey towards self-discovery is both poignant and empowering.

Johnson's characters are richly drawn and multidimensional, each with their own hopes, fears, and struggles. From Ailey's supportive family to her diverse group of friends, every character feels authentic and relatable, adding depth and nuance to the narrative.

Moreover, "The Color of a Lie" is a novel with a compelling and tightly woven plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. From shocking revelations to unexpected twists, Johnson keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher, making it impossible to put the book down.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of "The Color of a Lie" is Johnson's lyrical prose and vivid storytelling. Through her evocative descriptions and powerful imagery, she brings the town of Lakeland and its inhabitants to life, immersing readers in a world that is at once familiar and unfamiliar.

In conclusion, "The Color of a Lie" is a remarkable achievement that deserves to be read and celebrated. With its compelling characters, timely themes, and gripping storyline, it is a book that will resonate with readers long after they've finished it. Whether you're a fan of contemporary fiction, social justice, or coming-of-age stories, "The Color of a Lie" is a must-read that will leave a lasting impact.

We’ve recommended Kim Johnson’s novels before—she writes excellent mysteries that explore issues of race in America. Her newest piece of young adult historical fiction feels equally fresh, suspenseful, and important, but it goes back in history to the 1950s suburbs.

Calvin has always been able to pass as white, but he’s only done so occasionally: to help his dad research safe places for the Green Book or to get food for himself and his friends. But his ability to pass becomes a matter of life and death when his family moves from Chicago to Levittown, Pennsylvania, an all-white suburb, and his father makes it clear that he is not to let anyone know the truth about their family.

The longer Calvin lives the lie, the more uncomfortable he feels. He must navigate racist comments from his classmates, and he’d much rather spend time with the Black students at the small boarding school his brother runs nearby (and the beautiful Lily, who is bravely integrating his high school). Most importantly, however, he must deny who he really is and what’s truly important to him.

The danger ratchets up as the story unfolds: as Calvin spends more and more time with the Black community, he risks being seen by his white friends from the high school, especially when he attends a CORE meeting and begins investigating the shady dealings his boss, a realtor and the head of the neighborhood association, seems to be taking to intentionally keep people of color out of his “perfect” suburbs.

Johnson’s author’s note explains her intention to explore historical practices like redlining and other exclusionary measures that have kept Black families from home ownership, practices that have contributed to modern racial inequities. While the end of the novel pushes the limits of belief a bit, the novel is an engaging read that explores an important but less discussed part of American history.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are our own.

Will be posted at https://threeheads.works/category/blog/ya-books/ on 5/20/24.

Kim Johnson is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me.

The Color of a Lie, Johnson’s first historical thriller, is a fast paced story of a high school junior caught in the middle of a living lie. After a tragic experience in their home town, Calvin and his parents move to a segregated town under the required guise of a family passing as white. But Calvin realizes almost instantly just how hard it is to live a lie. Stifling himself and his preferences at almost every turn was one thing, but denying himself true love? Impossible.

In this well researched historical tale, Calvin finds himself constantly choosing between the lies he’s been assigned and the truth he so desperately craves.

What I loved most about this book:
1) THE RESEARCH WAS EVIDENT and makes the history accessible to young adults who may be reading about the civil rights movement for the first time.
2) The characters are so reflective of society’s attitude during this time! Also characters were complex.
3) Lily. I would read it again for her.

Thank you to #netgalley for this ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A poignant step back in time when race took center stage in the lives of people in America. Living and learning to PASS, thru the eyes of a teen struggling to just stake their claim to life, is a very moving, real story that can have one questioning their own thoughts about this subject