Every Time a Rainbow Dies

by Rita Williams-Garcia

HarperCollins, May 2002

$15.95, ISBN 0-668-16245-2

Thulani, a 16-year-old Jamaican-American, doesn't think much of his life. His mother died of cancer, and he lives with his cold, older brother and nosy sister-in-law. He has no real goals to speak of. The only things that give Thulani pleasure are the pigeons he cares for on the roof of his family's Brooklyn brownstone.

While on the roof one day, Thulani witnesses the rape of a young Haitian girl, Ysa. He manages to scare off her attackers, then helps her home.

Soon after, Thulani becomes concerned about the girl's health and well-being. He secretly checks up on her, following her around the neighborhood until he works up the courage to approach her. Gradually and cautiously the two become friends and eventually grow to care for one another.

Rita Williams-Garcia's Every Time a Rainbow Dies is a challenging and gritty tale for young adults. The award-winning author takes on mature subject matters: death, rape and a loving sexual relationship.

She powerfully illustrates the complex emotions that Ysa experiences, from shame to pain to anger. While Thulani helps Ysa work through her feelings, Ysa helps Thulani get past his grief over his mother's death and make plans for his future.

Every Time a Rainbow Dies is a brave and daring work that illustrates the healing power of love.

Illustration (Teenage boy)