Set in the 1970s, Caucasia is a coming-of-age story told from the perspective of Birdie Lee, daughter of a white activist mother and a Black intellectual father—both involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Birdie and her sister Cole have a close bond but Birdie is fair-skinned and often mistaken for white while Cole is dark enough to fit in at their Afrocentric school. Eventually, their parents separate and Birdie’s dad disappears with Cole while Birdie’s mom takes off with her, forcing her to “pass” in their new predominantly white town. Not only is Birdie grieving the loss of her sister and father, she is wrestling with her identity and struggling to find her place in the world.

Senna weaves a compelling tale that is engaging and thought-provoking, especially when you learn there a lot of parallels between this story and Senna’s own life. Birdie is such a lovable character and wise beyond her years. Senna brilliantly tackles themes of identity, race, politics, and American culture head on. This was my first (backlist) read of 2023 and it blew me away. If you’re looking for gorgeous writing, an unforgettable narrator, and a heartbreaking story you won’t be able to put down—pick this one up.

For fans of Passing by Nella Larsen or The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.