It All Comes Down to This

Written by Karen English

In 1965 LA, Sophie faces racial tensions, family struggles, and unexpected challenges.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 690 ratings

368 pages

$7.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1965 Los Angeles, twelve-year-old Sophie navigates a new, predominantly white neighborhood, her sister's departure for college, and her parents' troubled marriage. As riots break out in Watts and a friend is unjustly arrested, Sophie confronts the harsh realities of racial injustice and her own identity. Can she find her place amidst the chaos and change? Discover a poignant journey of growth and resilience in a world where kindness and bigotry wear many faces.

From the publisher

A powerful middle grade coming-of-age novel set in a slowly integrating upper middle class Los Angeles neighborhood in the summer of 1965, from a Coretta Scott King Honor Award-winning author. Perfect for fans of Rita Williams-Garcia and Sharon M. Draper. It’s 1965, Los Angeles. Sophie is the new black kid in a nearly all-white neighborhood; her beloved sister, Lily, is going away to college soon; and her parents’ marriage is rocky. Plus, there’s her family’s new, disapproving housekeeper to deal with. Then riots erupt in nearby Watts and a friend is unfairly arrested, and Sophie learns that life–and her own place in it–is even more complicated than she’d once thought. “Honest, witty . . . relatable. Unfairness and race-consciousness run through the story–so do surprises. Bigotry wears many guises. Kindness does too.” –Wall Street Journal “Thoughtful and well-wrought . . . . Compassionate, pointed, and empowering.” –Booklist, starred review “An impressive coming-of-age story.” –Kirkus Reviews, starred review “Reveals how an impressionable and intelligent child learns from the injustices that touch her, her family, and her friends.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

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