Black Cottonwoods - “Half a Moon”

The Black Cottonwoods are symbols of healing. These trees are found in the story “Half a Moon.” Raven associates the Black Cottonwoods and their healing powers with the gospel song her grandmother once sang about the Balm of Gilead.

Air Jordans - “Black Enough”

The Air Jordans are a symbol of status. These shoes appear in the story “Black Enough.” Cam wears these Air Jordans because he believes they will help him to impress Jessica, the girl he likes.

Chewbacca Shirt - “Black. Nerd. Problems.”

The Chewbacca shirt is a symbol of nerdiness. This shirt is a symbol in the story “Black. Nerd. Problems.” When Shawn’s friends see that he is wearing a shirt with a strange creature on it they warn him that it will not attract girls. One of them accuses Shawn of having a Care Bear on...