"The R Word is a poignant story of a girl's self-discovery and race relations. Modica weaves a mosaic fabric that is authentic and can foster discussions in the classroom, youth groups, and family settings." -- Dr. Debra Brown, University of Valley Forge "The R Word offers the reader a journey of truth-telling, shedding light where it's needed--in personal encounter rather than sociological sound bites." -- Nancy Thomas, Eastern University "Modica's vivid portrayal of the struggles of young adolescents.is spell-binding." Karen VanCott, Middle School Language Arts Educator.