The Color of a Lie

This gripping social justice thriller plunges readers into 1955, where a Black teenager and his family navigate the dangerous terrain of passing for white in a segregated suburb. Caught between two worlds, Calvin must maintain the family's fragile secret while uncovering the racist underpinnings of his new "Whites Only" community, a discovery that puts everyone he loves in jeopardy. The novel masterfully explores identity, systemic prejudice, and the psychological toll of living a double life during the civil rights era. Kim Johnson delivers a tense, historically grounded narrative that keeps pages turning while confronting difficult truths about America's past.

What sets this story apart is its intimate focus on the emotional and moral complexities faced by a young man forced to deny his heritage for survival. Teen readers will connect with Calvin's struggle for authenticity amidst overwhelming pressure, while the thriller elements—secrets, lies, and community conspiracies—create relentless suspense. This powerful examination of racial passing and suburban injustice offers both a mirror for contemporary discussions about privilege and a window into historical discrimination. Johnson's acclaimed storytelling, recognized with the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, ensures this thought-provoking novel leaves a lasting impact on young adult readers grappling with identity and social justice.