"That's what the doctors said
Mama had. Early-onset dementia.
They said maybe put her in a home,
& Gran said, My baby ain't going in no home.
& we worked together & kept it a secret.
Then Gran went to the sky & Mama got worse."
After the death of his beloved grandmother Onyx, protagonist of Amber McBride's Onyx & Beyond, has more responsibilities and stresses than any 10-year-old should have. In addition to keeping up in school and navigating the streets as a Black boy he must do the cooking and housework and earn money to help buy food and care for the physical and emotional needs of his mother--parent a parent before he's hit puberty. Gotta keep his mom, whom he loves to the edges of the known universe and beyond, with him and out of a home. This could get much more difficult. Child protective services has scheduled a home visit.
Despite the harsh reality of his life Onyx has a fascination with the universe and dreams of flying. His narrative in free verse is a rich blend of imagination and wisdom in addition to the nitty gritty of a challenging existence.
"I wonder if when Mama is dreaming,
she remembers everything?
If her dreams are more real than real life."
Onyx & Beyond, set in the late 60s, gives a vivid picture of that turbulent time. Onyx is a fictional character. But he's based on Mcbride's father's stories from his youth.
On a purrrsonal note, I studied at home today since the woods path between my home and the bus stop is snowed in. But I have rides both ways tomorrow. I'm so excited about going in and seeing my friends.
A great big shout out goes out to my wonderful, amazing friends.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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