A powerful novel

"The Color of Water" discusses the life of James McBride and his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan. It shows how much racism was alive during the 20th century, and how a white mother raised twelve black children with love, respect, and God.

James never met his father, Andrew McBride, because his father died before he was even born. Soon Ruth met another man, Hunter Jordan, who James looked up to as a father. Both of these men were intelligent, strong, and gave Ruth the power to push these children to success.

James McBride was unsure of his identity of color. Even as a boy, he knew his mother was different from all the other mothers. James knew nothing about his mother's past, but that never stopped him from pursuing his goal of understanding more about his white mother. That is why this novel is a tribute to his mother.

Ruth had to face many obstacles of racism, discrimination for being a Jew, and raising twelve black children. Reading this novel explains how a mother's love can change the world of their children, and lead them to hope. When it came to racism, no matter what racist person said to Ruth, she held her head up high, and looked to God for love and protection.

My favorite part was at the very end of the book. There was a list of Ruth McBride's children and their accomplishments. I am so proud of their efforts, and how they pursued their goals, and their mother's goals.

I believe if you read this novel, you would feel powerful, and understand more about life. Who knows, maybe this novel can have an impact on your own life. I can see how "The Color of Water" for over two years was on The New York Times Bestseller List, because this story deals with the difficulties average people are dealing with everyday. My heart pounds for sadness for those struggling people, and hope they found the light of hope to increase their spirits, and many others, just like Ruth McBride Jordan.

"The Color of water [will] make you proud to be a member of the human race."
-Mirabella