It All Comes Down to This by Karen English

This is an interesting historical fiction about a black girl that lives in the suburbs of Los Angeles in 1965.  Sophie and her family is one of the first black families in her neighborhood.  Her father is a lawyer, her mother also works full time and they have a maid that helps keep the house up.  Even though they are privileged does not mean they don't have their own struggles.  Sophie is sad that her sister will soon be going to college.  Sophie's sister is defying their parents by dating the son of their maid and "passing" as white at her place of employment.  Sophie is gradually coming to realize that even in her posh private school there is a lot of prejudice that prevents her from living her dreams. Everything comes to a head when Sophie's mother finds proof of what she has long suspected, her husband is stepping out on her.  With the help of a street toughened sister and a world-wise house maid, Sophie gradually learns to have the strength to make her own way in a difficult world.

This is a different view of the black experience in the 1960's.  English creates richly layered characters whose development through the book is authentically motivated.  Parents should beware that there is some language in this book, and English does not sugarcoat the conflict between Sophie's parents.  I really am not sure to whom I would recommend this book. It is the kind of book that is getting a lot of critical acclaim, but I suspect not a lot of kids will actually read it. (355 p. 2017)