Brushed Between Cultures

Brushed Between Cultures is a 56th NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teen.

Decisions and consequences. Growth and heartbreak.

Manushka's teen life is a rollercoaster. She loves her parents and culture but growing up in a Haitian household in New York City brings its share of challenges. Manushka wants to date, like other girls her age, but she can't. According to her mother, dating is absolutely off-limits until Manushka achieves the goal of becoming either a nurse, lawyer, or engineer- the only recognized paths to success in her mother's eyes. Then, and only then, will she be deemed ready to get married.

Well, Manushka has other plans.

Not only does she find a way to have a secret boyfriend, but Manushka also wants to become an artist. This bold aspiration challenges her family's expectations, setting her on a collision course with tradition. How long can she keep these secrets? Along with her trusted best friends, Janae and Widelene, Manushka navigates through the high school experience filled with both the joys of budding friendships and the trials of unforeseen challenges. Their unbreakable bond and adventurous spirit illuminate the path through adolescence, showcasing the power of loyalty and the importance of chasing one's dreams, no matter the obstacles.