Kaleidoscope Song

Gr 10 Up—A complicated, poetic, and seemingly well-researched novel, this YA title tells the story of Neo, a schoolgirl in modern-day Khayelitsha, South Africa, and her tragic first love. She sneaks out one night in an act of rebellion to seek out a music show. Neo loves music more than anything until she sees an older woman named Tale singing. From that moment on, Neo's goals solidify into two things: bringing music to the people and seeing Tale again. Though modern-day South Africa seems progressive when it comes to same-sex love, there are still deep prejudices within the communities, especially ones like Neo's. The development of the relationship of the two black women is very realistic and Neo's discovery of the queer world is heart-achingly sincere. The fallout of their relationship is brutal. Neo and Tale are victims of a starkly depicted gang rape and beating, which could be triggering for some readers. The fatal nature of this attack is only made palatable by the lyrical language. The ending of this horrifically realistic story comes quicker than expected and hints at some form of hope but might leave some unsatisfied. Give this long novel to sophisticated teens. The endnotes include a good discussion of privilege, music, and queer community resources.