The Great Divide
Seventeen-year-old Chrissie's acceptance into The Christian Academy promises a world of opportunities. Yet, her father's hidden relief reveals a deep-seated bias, setting the stage for a tale that explores the great divide between privilege and acceptance.
Chrissie's journey takes an unexpected turn when she auditions as a backup singer for ÉLastique, a school band led by the charismatic eighteen-year-old Vincent.
Vincent, a talented black musician, becomes the lead singer in the composition of Chrissie's heart, challenging the prejudices that seek to silence their love.
Chrissie and Vincent navigate a world where prejudices threaten to create dissonance, and the path to acceptance requires courage and strength.
- YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Romance / Clean & Wholesome
- YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
- YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Coming of Age
Read an excerpt
I sit in the great assembly hall, a sea of navy surrounding me, and I smile politely at the girl sitting next to me. She smiles back, but it seems obligatory. She looks down at me pretentiously, and I sink back into my chair, thinking how tough all of this is going to be.
Today is my first day at The Christian Academy, and it is daunting. My nerves are nibbling away at my insides, and I can feel their little nudges and pinches in the pit of my stomach. I was, eventually, after a lot of interviews, red tape, and paperwork, accepted on a full scholarship here after my dad decided to come to The Christian Academy and inquire about their scholarship program. Despite sounding conceited, I am academically gifted, so without studying hard I have the ability to do exceptionally well by only paying attention in class. I am incredibly grateful to be here because in my seventeen years, here on earth, to date, this is my only claim to fame—securing this scholarship.
My dad was over the moon happy and proud of himself for producing such a gifted offspring and secretly, in the privacy of our own home, he would exclaim how I would not have to go to school with so many black kids any more.
I am excited and looking forward to today because it presents new challenges, which in turn, would mean I can become anybody and anything I want to be. I can pursue a dream career, not something I have thought of often before now because I have not seen many opportunities ahead of me.
I was never short of acquaintances at my old school, Mt. Pleasant Public School, known for high-test scores state-wide. Everyone spoke to me, they were friendly to me, but no one ever told me the latest gossip, never inviting me to parties and I certainly was never best friends with anyone. I did once have a boyfriend for a very short space in time, nothing spectacular or amazing and that just petered out eventually, as we moved on and grew older.
When I appraise myself critically in the mirror, I see a regular face, nice enough hair, and long, dark eyelashes framing my deep blue eyes perfectly. I will never fit into a size zero, and sometimes, this depresses me, but what can you do about genetics. I am ‘blessed’ with a curvy body.
The dean in the front of the hall drone on and on and I have stopped listening long ago, so when everybody suddenly stands up, as one, I leap up as well. Mine is seemingly the last head popping up in the mass of blue.
The girl next to me gives me a look that would freeze the polar cap back into its original shape, as everybody starts singing loudly, belting out the national anthem.
I stand, watching the faces around me, in awe because never have I seen anything like this, the discipline, the pride, the pleasure of being a part of something greater than you are. I have always imagined people of higher standing, those at the top of the food chain, as being conceited, arrogant and full of their own self-importance.
Looking at them now–not including the snobbish girl standing next to me—it seems I might have judged them too soon. Most of the kids surrounding me, look as if they are just like me, trying to make our mark in life. Although, I am sure for most of them, it is easier than for most of us. I am sure their greatest concerns were the same as mine – getting into a great college, being accepted, to love and to be loved, have friends, go to parties, acne, appearance, and weight, to mention but a few of my most pressing concerns.
Book Details
Imprint : Fiction for the Soul Books
ISBN : 9781393610854
First Published Date : 30 August 2010
Language : English
Reading age : 13+
Pages : 324
Words : 38,946
Format : ePub & PDF (you own the files)
Read on : Kindle, Apple, Android devices, Google Play Books, Nook, Kobo eReaders, Computers.
Delivery Time and Method : Downloads will be emailed immediately upon purchase.
Keywords : Young Adult Interracial Romance, Sweet Christian Young Adult Fiction, Diverse Teen Love Story, Prejudice Overcoming Romance, Music-themed Young Adult Novel, Wholesome High School Romance, Multicultural Teen Fiction.
