Courtney’s Birthday Party

Courtney is very excited. Her seventh birthday is only a few days away, and her mother has planned a special party. All of Courtney’s classmates will be invited, including Courtney’s best friend, Dejana. Courtney and Dejana have been best friends for a long time. They ride the bus to school together; they sit next to each other in class. It has never mattered to them that one is white and one is black. Dejana is excited, too. In the days leading up to the party, she works hard at several odd jobs so she can buy a special gift to give to her friend. But when the invitations to the party are passed out, Dejana doesn’t receive one. Courtney’s mother doesn’t want Dejana to attend. Both Dejana and Courtney are devastated. But friendship wins the day when Courtney’s determination forces her mother to change her mind. In engaging prose, actress and educator Loretta Long shows that loyalty and determination can overcome racial prejudice and ignorance.