Thirteen poems about the friendship of two young African-American girls living in a city neighborhood. Title character Danitra Brown has a strong sense of heritage, self and self-respect, giving her a dynamic presence. Her best friend, Zuri Jackson, is shy and less confident, but it is her narrative voice which carries each poem, the themes of which extend from their friendship and families to growing up African-American and female. Together, Nikki Grimes' free-verse text and Floyd Cooper's warm-toned paintings capture the moments of joy and moments of sadness that best friends share. (Ages 7-10)