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Black and White
Thomas and Denyse have a lot in common. They both love basketball and sugar on their popcorn, but they have one major Thomas is white and Denyse is black. Some people start making racist remarks when they go out, and their parents warn them of the hardships ahead. They can't understand what the big deal is, but will the pressure of this relationship break them apart?
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2009
17 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Eric Walters
159 books912 followersEric was born in Toronto in 1957, which makes him "real old". But, as Eric says, "Just because I have to grow old doesn't mean that I have to grow up!" In his many roles as parent, teacher, social worker, youth sports coach and writer he is in constant contact with children and young adults. He draws from these experiences and feels that this helps him to capture the realistic interaction between young people—the conflicts, tensions, stresses and interests that make up their lives.
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
Eric began his writing as a teacher. He taught in classes from kindergarten up and his stories often reflect the curriculum that he was teaching. He always read stories—picture books and novels—to his students and this helped him to understand what children liked, responded to, and were inspired by. He enjoys the enthusiasm of his students and often looks at them to provide him with the inspiration to pursue a particular topic in both the classroom and in his writing.
Eric tries to write every day. When he has a story idea he starts with research. This could involve reading books, watching a documentary, or trying to experience the things that his characters are going to go through. This could include rock climbing or riding white water (for Stars), spending time in a wheelchair (Rebound), playing and walking with tigers (Tiger by the Tail), hanging around a tough biker bar (Diamonds in the Rough), standing out in his backyard in a blizzard wearing a T-shirt and shorts (Trapped in Ice), or traveling to Africa (Alexandria of Africa).
"The most important thing anybody ever told me about writing was to write what you know . . . and the only way to get to know things is to do your homework and research before you write," Eric stated.
Once the writing begins the story is always playing around in his head. He takes any opportunity, even if it's just a few minutes between presentations, to put things down, either with pen and paper or on his laptop.
Prior to entering teaching and writing Eric was a social worker (B.S.W., M.S.W., B.A.Hons—specialized major psychology). He worked in a variety of settings including child welfare, private practice, a mental health centre, and, for twenty years on a part-time basis as a Crisis Social Worker in an emergency department. He stopped teaching 4 years ago and left the ER only last year.
The majority of Eric's time is spent in the company of his wife, children and dogs (Lola a big standard poodle and a little white dog named Winnie the Poodle).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 22, 2023
Short but worth it. I would say the writing is thoughtful. I feel it’s perfect for the age group. Read it from the perspective of a younger person. However, there’s this best friend I really do not like. That one obnoxious jerk no one would want to be around and want to try out if it is “juicy” kissing black girls. That’s just one thing. I really do not like this young character. And he’s represented as an okay character. Really?!
Other side characters are awesome. They aren’t perfect. Even our main characters aren’t perfect. That’s what makes this book awesome and realistic.
Other side characters are awesome. They aren’t perfect. Even our main characters aren’t perfect. That’s what makes this book awesome and realistic.
April 21, 2022
love a good basketball romance
November 11, 2013
I think this is supposed to be a romance novel.
However it's also an Eric Walters novel, and that's why I didn't hesitate when I bought it.
From the romance that I have previously read (which isn't a lot), it all seems to be about character a fantasizing about character b in their minds and doing nothing (which I hate). This is thankfully not one of those novels.
The only way that I can ever enjoy a romantic relationship between characters is if their interactions are interesting (or if it's a character I care about and this will make them happy). The interactions in this book are hilarious. I'm pretty sure that first relationships in elementary school don't run smoothy (as implied by other books), and this book just feeds off of the awkwardness. It's hilarious. They're not ever justifying why they like each other or trying to make the reader agree, they're simply living their lives.
The way that they interact is just funny. They both finish each other's sentences, and of course find themselves in awkward situations. The amount of laughing at them that I did deserves an award.
Especially because I can totally see some of their actions happening.
That does not mean that Eric Walters doesn't make his point. As you can see by the description, Denyse is of African descent, while Tom is Caucasian. Some people have a problem with this.
However the way that their relationship and the novel develop, it's possible to care and laugh at the characters before the issue is brought in. Their first few dates are private, before they go in public together.
The issue of the lack of tolerance of inter-racial interaction is handled very well. Jamar's speech was pretty amazing.
However it's also an Eric Walters novel, and that's why I didn't hesitate when I bought it.
From the romance that I have previously read (which isn't a lot), it all seems to be about character a fantasizing about character b in their minds and doing nothing (which I hate). This is thankfully not one of those novels.
The only way that I can ever enjoy a romantic relationship between characters is if their interactions are interesting (or if it's a character I care about and this will make them happy). The interactions in this book are hilarious. I'm pretty sure that first relationships in elementary school don't run smoothy (as implied by other books), and this book just feeds off of the awkwardness. It's hilarious. They're not ever justifying why they like each other or trying to make the reader agree, they're simply living their lives.
The way that they interact is just funny. They both finish each other's sentences, and of course find themselves in awkward situations. The amount of laughing at them that I did deserves an award.
Especially because I can totally see some of their actions happening.
That does not mean that Eric Walters doesn't make his point. As you can see by the description, Denyse is of African descent, while Tom is Caucasian. Some people have a problem with this.
However the way that their relationship and the novel develop, it's possible to care and laugh at the characters before the issue is brought in. Their first few dates are private, before they go in public together.
The issue of the lack of tolerance of inter-racial interaction is handled very well. Jamar's speech was pretty amazing.
August 2, 2021
Have you ever read a book that you felt was really timely and important, only to go back years later and find that it’s somehow EVEN MORE IMPORTANT than it was when you first read it?
That’s how I felt while reading, “Black and White” by Eric Walters.
The story of “Black and White” follows two middle-school basketball players named Thomas and Denyse, who develop a friendship that blossoms into each other’s first romance. Thomas and Denyse have a lot in common, with seemingly the only difference being the colour of their skin, and despite warnings from both of their families about the complications that will arise, they make the decision to keep seeing each other. After all, times have changed… right?
Eric Walters has done it, yet again! He has masterfully interwoven a cute, innocent romance with heavy themes and important conversations on race and racism. The heavy themes are handled with a great degree of nuance, sensitivity and respect, and the book may very well be more timely and important now than it was when I first read it! It’s educational, but the book is written with simple, accessible language, and is also very engaging.
It’s one of the best and most important stories that Eric Walters has ever written, and no matter your age or reading level, you’ll find something to like within the 220 pages of this book.
That’s how I felt while reading, “Black and White” by Eric Walters.
The story of “Black and White” follows two middle-school basketball players named Thomas and Denyse, who develop a friendship that blossoms into each other’s first romance. Thomas and Denyse have a lot in common, with seemingly the only difference being the colour of their skin, and despite warnings from both of their families about the complications that will arise, they make the decision to keep seeing each other. After all, times have changed… right?
Eric Walters has done it, yet again! He has masterfully interwoven a cute, innocent romance with heavy themes and important conversations on race and racism. The heavy themes are handled with a great degree of nuance, sensitivity and respect, and the book may very well be more timely and important now than it was when I first read it! It’s educational, but the book is written with simple, accessible language, and is also very engaging.
It’s one of the best and most important stories that Eric Walters has ever written, and no matter your age or reading level, you’ll find something to like within the 220 pages of this book.
July 26, 2014
I thought this book was really funny and cute. It was definitely my type of humour. I did think it was very realistic at parts, like how awkward it is for him at the movies alone, how girls gossip, and how Jamar is too cool to do anything with his younger sister (calls them perfect for each other because they're both stupid), that is so older brother. I also thought they did some really cute things like him teaching her to snowboard.
I did think there were a couple problems with it though, it seemed like their relationship moved really fast and that Denyse was all of a sudden very clingy to him (holding his hand constantly) even though her personality was so strong and independent. Also I don't see how her parents were so concerned when you find out that Jamar has dated girls that are white, black, and asian, and they didn't even mention it. Isn't that a little sexist?
I did like however that part of Jamar's wisdom was that sure you can break up because of the racial pressure, but don't stay together to prove them wrong.
My favourite quote:
"That is what I hate about dogs. It is almost impossible to look cool while holding a bag of dog crap."
I did think there were a couple problems with it though, it seemed like their relationship moved really fast and that Denyse was all of a sudden very clingy to him (holding his hand constantly) even though her personality was so strong and independent. Also I don't see how her parents were so concerned when you find out that Jamar has dated girls that are white, black, and asian, and they didn't even mention it. Isn't that a little sexist?
I did like however that part of Jamar's wisdom was that sure you can break up because of the racial pressure, but don't stay together to prove them wrong.
My favourite quote:
"That is what I hate about dogs. It is almost impossible to look cool while holding a bag of dog crap."
August 11, 2018
While I love the concept of the book thisnwasnt my favourite as I think it's more contemporary and I really prefer the work he has done historical fiction.
It was good just not my favourite
It was good just not my favourite
April 11, 2022
This book was from the teen / young adult section and was based off of 7/8 grade kids. It was a light read that really made an impact about kids from different races wanting to date. I really liked this book because it explained how tough it can be with the outside world having prejudice against them, but in the end all that matters is love
January 13, 2020
it was bad, no pecans
March 23, 2021
It was good. Loved the ending part about the conversation
April 8, 2021
very good and so informative on racism nowadays. definitely recommend, also there is a love story and it’s so good.
March 6, 2023
Loved this book. Very heartfelt. Based on a very important topic. The book is based on the relationship between a black girl and a white boy, and all the problems surrounding that.
February 8, 2009
A nice book to read for Black History Month. Prolific author Eric Walters' once again draws on his years of teaching experience to wisely delve into the lives of thirteen year old Thomas, a basketball-playing suburban kid, and twelve year old Denyse, an equally suburban basketball-playing kid; the one thing the two don't have in common is the colour of their skin.
Written for the age group of its characters and younger, this is a touching, relevant story far removed from any extremes. Walters has taken two very ordinary kids - smart, from loving, supportive families, with typical urban social lives (movies on Friday night, church on Sunday) - and brought them face-to-face with racism of the more subtle, insidious kind. It's perfectly suitable for a young age group, with a complete lack of swearing for example. One of the things I enjoyed was Denyse's father's sermon (he's a pastor) on racism - it was nicely done, and really pinpointed some of the innate prejudices in people on both sides.
Written for the age group of its characters and younger, this is a touching, relevant story far removed from any extremes. Walters has taken two very ordinary kids - smart, from loving, supportive families, with typical urban social lives (movies on Friday night, church on Sunday) - and brought them face-to-face with racism of the more subtle, insidious kind. It's perfectly suitable for a young age group, with a complete lack of swearing for example. One of the things I enjoyed was Denyse's father's sermon (he's a pastor) on racism - it was nicely done, and really pinpointed some of the innate prejudices in people on both sides.
July 11, 2011
It was a really good book. The main characters Tom (Thomas) meets an amazing girl that fits his characteristics -for him. Everything is great, except for one detail, she's black. And Thomas is white. They like each other ALOT. But people like his classmates, the girls from the other team are trying to make hurt Denyse to "leak" the whiteness out of her, and even Thomas's and Denyse OWN family both say that it would be more better is they were black/white. They (their parents) have no problem with being together, but it makes their lives more complicated by other people making racist remarks. Will they be able to stay together or will they be thorn apart by the racist looks/glares/stares/physical contact/and remarks??
January 23, 2016
Rated this book, 5 stars because not only does this book about racism, but it is a powerful book, where others have been bullied and need help. I liked how the character stood for themselves, just because of their skin tone. Just because a person has different skin tone as you, doesn't mean that you should bully others. Put yourself into other people's shoes. I believe that racism will one day end...
June 25, 2016
Overall, I thought it was a really well written and thought-provoking book. Although, there were some points that just kind of seemed repetitive, and not well worded. Every page made me want to read the next, and it kept me interested all throughout, especially with such an innocent relationship growing.
December 28, 2010
This is one of those books that is cheesy, yet a good story. It had some good life lessons in it, and didn't hold back on the truth about racism. It was a cute story that is a good read if you need a book to do a report on.
July 13, 2012
I loved the book, it only took me a day to read it. *Small spolier* it is about young love between a black girl and white boy having troubles dealing with racism. Greatly written another great book by Eric.
December 28, 2010
Great book.
September 5, 2011
My sister thought that this book was every chessy, but I think this book has a lesson for people who don't believe in mixed relationship
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March 24, 2013i really wanted there to be more. awesome book.
May 10, 2013
I read this for and LA reading group thing, and i do see why it would be good for that but not my kind of book.
May 20, 2013
This was my second eric walters book that I finished in one day, I think that says something
July 9, 2013
AWESOME!!! AMZING!!! Words can not Describe how much I loved reading this book.
April 21, 2014
It was a good book, easy short read.
September 2, 2014
A nice story of a young love that sees past colour. A book that I would use in the ESL classroom. Addresses issues such as racism and stereotypes. A must-read for young adults.
February 15, 2015
Really good message behind the story. Loved the ending.
January 31, 2017
Loved the book
April 17, 2022
Loved this book I think he (author) does a great job like always.this book does a great it really show the truth of todays world and how there will always be haters.
April 28, 2017
IT was a cool book i loved it
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews