Delphine, a light-skinned girl raised by her white grandmother in a wealthy, white household, struggles with her own identity and the prejudice she faces despite her privileged life. She longs to connect with her African American heritage, but her grandmother discourages it.
David, a dark-skinned boy raised by his grandparents on a sharecropping farm, faces the harsh realities of racism and poverty. He is forced to work long hours and dreams of a better life.
Their lives intersect when Delphine's grandmother decides to move to the city and enlists David's grandmother to help care for her. The cousins are initially wary of each other, but they slowly begin to form a bond.
Through their shared experiences and growing friendship, Delphine and David learn about the importance of family, the power of resilience, and the enduring struggle against prejudice. They also come to understand the profound impact of their shared heritage.
The book explores themes of:
* Race and Identity: Both cousins grapple with their own identities and the societal expectations placed upon them due to their race.
* Family and Belonging: The story emphasizes the importance of family, even in the face of adversity, and the search for a sense of belonging.
* Social Justice and Inequality: The book vividly portrays the realities of Jim Crow segregation and the systemic racism faced by African Americans.
* The Power of Resilience: Despite the hardships they endure, Delphine and David demonstrate the strength of human spirit and their ability to overcome challenges.
"Cousins" is a powerful and moving story that offers valuable insights into the complexities of family, race, and identity during a difficult time in American history.