Shine ~ by Jodi Picoult

Shine ~ by Jodi Picoult, 2016, fiction (short story), 10/10

Jodi Picoult tackles issues of race and privilege in this eBook original short story, a prequel to her novel Small Great Things.  This story introduces readers to the unforgettable Ruth Brooks.  Today is Ruth’s first day of third grade at Dalton.  The prestigious institution on New York’s Upper East Side couldn’t be more different from her old school in Harlem.  Despite being the smartest girl in her grade, Ruth suspects that her classmates and teachers only see her dark skin.  She also notices that Christina, the daughter of her mother’s employer, treats Ruth very differently when they’re hanging out with the popular girls rather than playing together.  Ruth must navigate between two worlds, never losing sight of the dreams she has for herself — in hopes that someday, someone will see her for who she really is.

Quote

"What if they liked you more than they like me?"
Ruth didn't know what to say.  It was the first time she realized that a person might look like Christina, and live in a fancy home, and dress in designer clothing, and have everything her heart desired, and still go to sleep at night worrying.
Maybe we are more alike than we're different, Ruth thought.
(loc. 392)