The Bluest Eye (Toni Morrison, 1970)

Set in 1941 Ohio, a young girl named Pecola is often bullied due to her mannerisms and dark skin. She develops an obsession for blue eyes, which she equates with whiteness. “Morrison’s The Bluest Eye is a masterpiece of storytelling in American literature,” says Mr. Matthew Allen, an English teacher at ACIT. “Not afraid to shy away from difficult topics… this is a great entry point to begin a full read-through of Morrison’s works or to get a taste for powerful American literature.” The Bluest Eye is Toni Morrison’s first novel and was published in 1970. Morrison’s other books include Song of Solomon, Beloved, and Paradise.