OPERATION SISTERHOOD

An 11-year-old only child must learn how to accept her new blended family.

Nigerian American Tokunbo Marshall thought life was perfect with just her and her Mum in their Bronx apartment. They had their special recipes, always discussed things, were planning to visit Paris and Lagos, and had a community Bo loved. Then Mum began dating Bill, and Bo noticed her smiling more, so she went along with the changes that ensued. Now, with Bill and Mum getting married and their moving in with him in his chaotic family’s Harlem brownstone, Bo feels adrift. It is a major adjustment for methodical Bo to go from two people to eight—counting Bill’s daughter, Sunday, plus Bill and Sunday’s chosen family, twin sisters Lee and Lil and their parents—not to mention a slew of pets. She feels overwhelmed with learning to be a sister while maintaining her own identity, but she soon discovers that sharing parts of herself is easier than she thinks. Working together to plan the ultimate wedding garden party helps as well. Rhuday-Perkovich’s love letter to New York City is brimming with heartwarming moments in which Bo discovers how she fits in with her new patchwork family amid constant changes. The limited omniscient narration allows the personalities of each sister to shine, adding depth to their characterizations, but it also makes for storytelling that is densely detailed. Most characters are Black.

A loving display of family and community.