Kim Johnson’s “The Color of a Lie” is a gripping YA historical thriller that tackles themes of racial identity, morality, and societal expectations through the lens of 1950s America. Set in 1955, the story follows Calvin, a Black teenager whose family moves to an all-white Pennsylvania suburb after fleeing racial violence in Chicago. As Calvin navigates the suffocating demands of “passing” as white, he uncovers dangerous secrets about his new community while wrestling with the emotional toll of hiding his true self. The novel’s tension builds as Calvin’s relationships with his crush Lily, and his activist cousin force him to confront the cost of silence and the courage required to live authentically. Johnson balances historical context with deeply personal stakes, creating a narrative that feels urgent and revelatory for today’s teens.
This book is an exceptional choice for high school classrooms and libraries serving diverse learners. Johnson’s vivid prose and immersive period details, like descriptions of Calvin’s father’s Green Book-inspired survival strategies, create mental imagery that supports comprehension. The accessible Lexile level and straightforward dialogue allow reluctant readers to engage with complex themes without tripping over archaic language, while challenging vocabulary (e.g., “redlining,” “code-switching”) appears in context, inviting discussion. The brisk pacing and suspenseful plot (including a mystery involving a missing Black handyman) maintain momentum. Johnson handles 1950s idioms thoughtfully, using phrases like “uppity” to spark conversations about coded racism rather than confuse modern readers. Recognized as a Kirkus and SLJ Best Book, this novel provides rich cross-curricular connections to civil rights history and ethical debates, while Calvin’s internal monologue (“Am I betraying myself if I stay quiet?”) offers relatable entry points for journaling or Socratic seminars. For educators seeking to foster critical thinking and empathy through literature, “The Color of a Lie” delivers both a page-turning story and a powerful examination of identity.
