Book Review: Blueberry Ice Cream

When I first looked at the book cover, I had no idea this story would be so inspiring. This book is really good and I loved all the illustrations. It’s clever because the book uses ice cream characters to talk about discrimination and racism. The book also talks about how it feels to not fit in because of your skin color, your religion, or your weight.

Another reason I like this book is that the main characters, Hope and Annie, looked so different but were best friends. I loved that a black girl with curly hair and a white girl with red hair were friends no matter what they looked like. They didn’t discriminate!

I found myself thinking that that this book could really teach kids and even adults about how it feels to be discriminated against or how it feels to be a victim to racism. It could teach that everyone is different and unique and that’s what makes our world so fun and exciting.

So here is a little summary. First, two best friends, Hope and Annie were eating blueberry ice cream before bed. When they went to sleep Annie had a dream. She dreamt about everyone being the same except for herself and Hope. They were laughed at for being chocolate and vanilla flavored instead of blueberry flavored, like everyone else. When she woke up Annie and Hope talked to Annie‘s grandma about discrimination. Her grandma told them that everyone is different. She also said if everyone was the same, then there would be no spice in the world. She also told them that it is OK to be different from other people and that “Embracing our differences make us grow and try new things.”

To be honest, as an 11-year-old Black girl living in the heart of Appalachia, this book really hit close to home. Sometimes, I look around and see that I’m the only Black person in a place, and it makes me feel alone. This book helped me to remember how beautiful and special we all are. Annie and Hope are both beautiful and special, just the way they are, just like you and I.

Jayli Phillips is a young BBG contributor.