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Every Time a Rainbow Dies
In a love story that glows like the many-colored silk skirt that is its symbolic centerpiece, Rita Williams-Garcia takes her place as a major young-adult novelist. This book, with a strong lyrical voice, fulfills the promise the author showed in her widely acclaimed earlier novel, Like Sisters on the Homefront. With simplicity and a masterful control of pacing, Williams-Garcia builds a story that aches with the longing of two young lovers in a dance of tentative approach and defensive retreat, and eventual trust and healing.
Both Thulani and his girlfriend Ysa have an isolating spiritual wound. Ever since his mother suddenly returned to their Jamaican home to die four years ago, Thulani, 16, has withdrawn from the brother and sister-in-law who have raised him and who want to "man him up." Thulani spends long hours on the roof of their brownstone alone with his beloved doves, and school is to him "simply the sitting place." One day he hears a scream and looks over the parapet to see a young woman being raped in the alley below. He rescues her, covers her nakedness, and takes her home, although she fights him every step of the way. Later, fascinated by her proud rejection and grace, he begins to seek her out and follow her in her colorful clothes. "Every time you step out," he tells her, "a rainbow must die." At first she rejects him angrily because he has seen her shamed, but then she shares her name, Ysa, and her fierce ambition to become a textile designer. Little by little they begin to reach out (and then pull back again), to comfort and strengthen each other.
166 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2001
13 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Rita Williams-Garcia
38 books761 followers"I was born in Queens, N.Y, on April 13, 1957. My mother, Miss Essie, named me 'NoMo' immediately after my birth. Although I was her last child, I took my time making my appearance. I like to believe I was dreaming up a good story and wouldn’t budge until I was finished. Even now, my daughters call me 'Pokey Mom', because I slow poke around when they want to go-go-go.
"I learned to read early, and was aware of events going on as I grew up in the 60s. In the midst of real events, I daydreamed and wrote stories. Writing stories for young people is my passion and my mission. Teens will read. They hunger for stories that engage them and reflect their images and experiences."
Author of four award winning novels, Rita Williams-Garcia continues to break new ground in young people's literature. Known for their realistic portrayal of teens of color, Williams-Garcia's works have been recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award Committee, PEN Norma Klein, American Library Association, and Parents' Choice, among others. She recently served on the National Book Award Committee for Young People's Literature and is on faculty at Vermont College MFA Writing for Children and Young People.
"I learned to read early, and was aware of events going on as I grew up in the 60s. In the midst of real events, I daydreamed and wrote stories. Writing stories for young people is my passion and my mission. Teens will read. They hunger for stories that engage them and reflect their images and experiences."
Author of four award winning novels, Rita Williams-Garcia continues to break new ground in young people's literature. Known for their realistic portrayal of teens of color, Williams-Garcia's works have been recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award Committee, PEN Norma Klein, American Library Association, and Parents' Choice, among others. She recently served on the National Book Award Committee for Young People's Literature and is on faculty at Vermont College MFA Writing for Children and Young People.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 30, 2021
good example of "I understand the themes this book tried to address, doesn't mean I enjoyed the journey". I can't help but wonder what the story might have looked like from Ysa's point of view.
August 12, 2021
I was intrigued by the concept of this book, but I was seriously disappointed. It’s very explicit, and the main character has an unhealthy obsession with the girl. I think the book mishandles the issue of consent, especially for a YA audience. After all, Ysa abruptly falls head over heels for this guy after previously telling him her boundaries in no uncertain terms. Why did she change her mind? Because the guy was relentless? Pursue a girl until she gives in? I can’t support that message. The only reason I gave it 2 stars and not 1 was because of the beautiful cultural connection to Jamaica and New York. I wish the story had been more about his heritage; the subplot redeemed the book a bit from the unnecessary and disturbing sexual content.
January 14, 2022
As always, I look forward to discussing this with others (I hope I can make it to book club in order to do so).
Thulani's grief and trauma of losing his mother and not being allowed an outlet to grieve had stopped him from venturing out in his teen years until he witnesses a violent act from his rooftop. He then becomes fixated on the girl he saw and felt he had to know her. Throughout the narrative, though, I wanted to know how Ysa was experiencing this story.
Another YA novel where you hope the central characters get to therapy! Because they both carry a lot of trauma that will need working through.
Content Warning: Graphic depiction of SA I was surprised by the opening chapter, especially recognizing that this novel was originally published 20 years ago. I believe Williams-Garcia is fairly well known for not pulling punches, but there was a lot of detail in the physicality of the attack that is incredibly affecting.
Thulani's grief and trauma of losing his mother and not being allowed an outlet to grieve had stopped him from venturing out in his teen years until he witnesses a violent act from his rooftop. He then becomes fixated on the girl he saw and felt he had to know her. Throughout the narrative, though, I wanted to know how Ysa was experiencing this story.
Another YA novel where you hope the central characters get to therapy! Because they both carry a lot of trauma that will need working through.
Content Warning: Graphic depiction of SA I was surprised by the opening chapter, especially recognizing that this novel was originally published 20 years ago. I believe Williams-Garcia is fairly well known for not pulling punches, but there was a lot of detail in the physicality of the attack that is incredibly affecting.
July 27, 2021
TW// R**e & SA
I have a lot of thoughts but let me start off with the fact that this is NOT a YA book. The literal first scene we get in this book is Ysa being r**ed in an alley and it’s like TOO descriptive. Additionally, there are additional explicit scenes throughout the book and terminology that should not be used in YA writing. We have to keep in mine that the YA age bracket starts around TWELVE!! 12!!!! NOOOO. If any twelve year old I knew read this, I’d be mortified.
Second, Thulani basically spends this whole book stalking Ysa even after she has repeatedly told him no and to go away. He still follows her around and watches for her. CREEPY!
The plot itself was boring as all get out and the writing was sub par at best.
Thank god I rented this from the library.
I have a lot of thoughts but let me start off with the fact that this is NOT a YA book. The literal first scene we get in this book is Ysa being r**ed in an alley and it’s like TOO descriptive. Additionally, there are additional explicit scenes throughout the book and terminology that should not be used in YA writing. We have to keep in mine that the YA age bracket starts around TWELVE!! 12!!!! NOOOO. If any twelve year old I knew read this, I’d be mortified.
Second, Thulani basically spends this whole book stalking Ysa even after she has repeatedly told him no and to go away. He still follows her around and watches for her. CREEPY!
The plot itself was boring as all get out and the writing was sub par at best.
Thank god I rented this from the library.
September 24, 2015
Em's Review: For the past four years, since his mother returned home to Jamaica to die, 16 year-old Thulani has lived a very isolated life. He shares a Brooklyn apartment with his older brother and pregnant sister-in-law, and cares for (lives for) his pigeon companions who live in a dovecote on the roof of their building. One day, from his rooftop refuge, he witnesses a woman being brutally raped and scares off her assailants. After helping her home, he can’t stop thinking about her – the one who drew him out of his isolation. He pursues her and in the process he rejoins the world.
One complex aspect of this story is Thulani’s pursuit of Ysa. Thulani is a super sweet young man, who I can’t imagine hurting a fly. Yet, as he initially begins to pursue Ysa, he follows her on the street and he watches her from a “safe” distance. His actions made me nervous not because I actually felt he posed any physical threat to Ysa, but because I worried for her emotional safety. Would she notice his stalking? Would she feel frightened? Stalking a recent victim of sexual abuse, let alone anyone, isn’t the most respectful way to try to get to know someone. But I’m glad that Williams-Garcia has Thulani make this error in judgment, because it gives Ysa the opportunity to put him in his place, allowing the author to send a message to young readers about power and consent. After this encounter, Thulani is able to win Ysa’s trust and friendship through his persistence and his willingness to let her take control and call the shots. Thulani and Ysa form an unusual bond, as two individuals who have to learn to let down the protective barriers over their hearts in order to truly share themselves with one another.
While Everytime a Rainbow Dies is a love story, it is also about connection, community, responsibility and growing up. Williams-Garcia creates a convincing sense of place, an engaging cast of supporting characters, and meaningful, believable dialogue. While not entirely uneventful, the plot feels very “every day”, so if you’re looking for intense plot arcs, you may want to look elsewhere.
One complex aspect of this story is Thulani’s pursuit of Ysa. Thulani is a super sweet young man, who I can’t imagine hurting a fly. Yet, as he initially begins to pursue Ysa, he follows her on the street and he watches her from a “safe” distance. His actions made me nervous not because I actually felt he posed any physical threat to Ysa, but because I worried for her emotional safety. Would she notice his stalking? Would she feel frightened? Stalking a recent victim of sexual abuse, let alone anyone, isn’t the most respectful way to try to get to know someone. But I’m glad that Williams-Garcia has Thulani make this error in judgment, because it gives Ysa the opportunity to put him in his place, allowing the author to send a message to young readers about power and consent. After this encounter, Thulani is able to win Ysa’s trust and friendship through his persistence and his willingness to let her take control and call the shots. Thulani and Ysa form an unusual bond, as two individuals who have to learn to let down the protective barriers over their hearts in order to truly share themselves with one another.
While Everytime a Rainbow Dies is a love story, it is also about connection, community, responsibility and growing up. Williams-Garcia creates a convincing sense of place, an engaging cast of supporting characters, and meaningful, believable dialogue. While not entirely uneventful, the plot feels very “every day”, so if you’re looking for intense plot arcs, you may want to look elsewhere.
August 4, 2021
Had some high expectations for this and I’m sad to say they were not met. Wanted to like the message of healing but I couldn’t get past the creepy. After the cute little bird into we were launched into a brutal attack. And the mc’s response is to... stalk her? The weird infatuation and slightly gross description had me concerned. The kid admitted he was out of line and then proceeded to disrespect her. I don’t like to leave bad reviews but I didn’t have it in me to keep reading it after barely 20 pages because the behavior shouldn’t be normalized. Really disappointed after hearing great things about the author
January 29, 2024
This book was difficult to read. From the beginning there is a sexual assault followed by stalking. It was creepy to be in the head of Thulani. The way he obsessed over Ysa was uncomfortable. He repeatedly followed her around and crossed her boundaries. I also do not know why this is labeled YA with how graphic the sexual assault was and how many perverted thoughts the main character goes into detail for. The relationship was toxic. I also don't like that Thulani
September 23, 2020
The novel was slowly paced and the way it was written did not stand out to me in any great way, but the message, plot, and characters is where this book deserves its stars. Watching a girl recover from a traumatic experience from the view of the one who saved her and after finds love for her but doesn't even know the girl is purely genius. The main character's love for and determination to get to know/fall in love with the girl he saved from rape, along with his home situation, is fascinating and intriguing.
March 26, 2023
Thulani spends his days on his roof removed from the role below only focusing on his pigeons. USA is everything Thulani’s world is missing, color, light and love, but her wall is so high and thick that he is not sure he will be able to break through, especially after how they first meet. Thulani and Ysa both have to find a way and a place int he world for themselves as young adults with trauma and heartache in their past. A meaningful but quick read.
February 10, 2019
While I enjoyed the book, I found it forced at its ending. Too much, too fast with not enough time to process. Some of Thulani's obsession with Ysa was a bit tiresome to me. Loved the doves! Loved the interaction with his brother and sister-in-law. Beautiful look at Haitian/Creole/Caribbean culture living in America.
April 9, 2019
Those of us who've endured difficult childhoods might easily identify with this book. SO MANY FEELS - pain, joy, accomplishment, freedom, failure, acceptance, loss and on and on. They're all there. 4.5* (rounded up)
April 6, 2019
Left more to be desired, may have moved to quickly, could have handles rape and sex themes better.
July 27, 2021
3.5/5 stars
cute story, like the way the writing is Rita Williams-Garcia
cute story, like the way the writing is Rita Williams-Garcia
December 25, 2024
It is too gory. I think sexual assault can be written without all the graphic details.
October 16, 2025
One of the Best YAs I Have Read
Beautifully written and I can't wait to read more from this author. Going to add it to my Recommended Reading List
Beautifully written and I can't wait to read more from this author. Going to add it to my Recommended Reading List
January 15, 2010
Every time a Rainbow Die's
By: Williams-Garcia
ABOUT THE CHARACTER
My book is about two character mostly Ysa and Thulani. Ysa is a teen age girl who got raped and really don't understand why this young boy wanted to help her and see if she was OK everyday. She very different than everyone else because she wears very bright color clothing like the rainbow.Thulani is a teen age boy who see Ysa get raped and wants to help her but he don't get why wont she let him. He is not like everybody else he wear ragged old clothes and don't care what everyone say's because he from Jamaica.
ABOUT THE BOOK
My Book start's out with Thulani seeing a girl who get's raped by the two older guy's and when he gets down there they start to beat her (fight) and he yells and they run away so he goes to her and try to help but she wont let him she hits him and kicks him while he yell's " I'M NOT THE RAPERS, I'M JUST TRY'N TO HELP" then she finally stops and give her his shirt and take her home as she tells him the street but not excally where.
There's view of the first chapter.
Near the end of the book is where the climax takes place and because he has to leave Ysa his love behind and dose he or dose he not come back...
PLOT
1) Thulani see's a girl who gets raped by two men.
2) Thulani describes her after she gets raped and beaten and try's to take her home.
3) Thulani talks about how his mom is dead (never came back when she went to Jamaica) and how he never knew his father and where he is.
4) Thulani and Ysa start small talk'n like...Are you OK? Sorry if i bothered you? ... etc.
5) Thulani finds out his sister is pregnant and she has her baby girl.
6) Thulani lost his virginity to a girl in his school and he don't love her but they were dating cause Ysa told Thulani to leave her alone and did for a while.
7) Thulani and Ysa get close and start talk'n hanging out.
8) Thulani finds out after he take's Ysa home he has to move to a different town cause there no yard for the baby to play in when it gets older. (he freak's out)
9) Thulani and ysa goes to the park and makes love.
10) He leave's and ...
THEME
The main point of my book is where Thulina has to move and is very confused and Thulani and Ysa fall in love and he has to leave her but doesn't know what to do but he tell's her he will come back but will he?
TONE
The writer of my story is Rita Williams-Garcia and he has many tone in this story here is a few of his tone's... Sad, happy, sorry, and etc.
By: Williams-Garcia
ABOUT THE CHARACTER
My book is about two character mostly Ysa and Thulani. Ysa is a teen age girl who got raped and really don't understand why this young boy wanted to help her and see if she was OK everyday. She very different than everyone else because she wears very bright color clothing like the rainbow.Thulani is a teen age boy who see Ysa get raped and wants to help her but he don't get why wont she let him. He is not like everybody else he wear ragged old clothes and don't care what everyone say's because he from Jamaica.
ABOUT THE BOOK
My Book start's out with Thulani seeing a girl who get's raped by the two older guy's and when he gets down there they start to beat her (fight) and he yells and they run away so he goes to her and try to help but she wont let him she hits him and kicks him while he yell's " I'M NOT THE RAPERS, I'M JUST TRY'N TO HELP" then she finally stops and give her his shirt and take her home as she tells him the street but not excally where.
There's view of the first chapter.
Near the end of the book is where the climax takes place and because he has to leave Ysa his love behind and dose he or dose he not come back...
PLOT
1) Thulani see's a girl who gets raped by two men.
2) Thulani describes her after she gets raped and beaten and try's to take her home.
3) Thulani talks about how his mom is dead (never came back when she went to Jamaica) and how he never knew his father and where he is.
4) Thulani and Ysa start small talk'n like...Are you OK? Sorry if i bothered you? ... etc.
5) Thulani finds out his sister is pregnant and she has her baby girl.
6) Thulani lost his virginity to a girl in his school and he don't love her but they were dating cause Ysa told Thulani to leave her alone and did for a while.
7) Thulani and Ysa get close and start talk'n hanging out.
8) Thulani finds out after he take's Ysa home he has to move to a different town cause there no yard for the baby to play in when it gets older. (he freak's out)
9) Thulani and ysa goes to the park and makes love.
10) He leave's and ...
THEME
The main point of my book is where Thulina has to move and is very confused and Thulani and Ysa fall in love and he has to leave her but doesn't know what to do but he tell's her he will come back but will he?
TONE
The writer of my story is Rita Williams-Garcia and he has many tone in this story here is a few of his tone's... Sad, happy, sorry, and etc.
July 7, 2012
Since his mother died, Thulani has been a loner. The only one he lets in on his secrets are his pigeons, which he keeps on the roof of his brownstone in Brooklyn. One summer evening while on the roof of the Brownstone, he witnesses a teenage girl his age being raped. He scares off the rapists and helps her back to her apartment on the other side of town. The problem is, he can't stop thinking about her and must find out more.
This is a touching story of a young man who has cut himself off from the rest of the world and in an odd circumstance reconnects with it. As with Williams-Garcia's other novels this contains sometimes difficult subject matter, but the characters with their hearts in the right place, help the reader see beyond the darkness.
This is a touching story of a young man who has cut himself off from the rest of the world and in an odd circumstance reconnects with it. As with Williams-Garcia's other novels this contains sometimes difficult subject matter, but the characters with their hearts in the right place, help the reader see beyond the darkness.
July 17, 2013
Sixteen-year-old Thulani prefers spending time on the roof of his Brooklyn brownstone with his pigeons than meeting girls or going to school. That is until he's woken up by a woman's screams one night. As he sees this girl being raped in the alley something changes. He runs down the stairs, into the alley, scares away the attackers, and helps the girl home. Even after she's safely at home, Thulani can't stop thinking about her.
So starts this intense realistic novel. Williams-Garcia doesn't shy away from discussing big issues, rape, race, death, immigration, and sex in this young adult novel. And she does it in an honest and accessible way that resonates with teens and adults alike. This is by far one of the best young adult novels I've read in a while.
So starts this intense realistic novel. Williams-Garcia doesn't shy away from discussing big issues, rape, race, death, immigration, and sex in this young adult novel. And she does it in an honest and accessible way that resonates with teens and adults alike. This is by far one of the best young adult novels I've read in a while.
August 25, 2010
Everytime a rainbow dies is a very mature book but beware of the wierd thoughts you may get.This book is about a boy about 16 or 17 that sees a girl getting raped and tries to help but gets pushed away.He soon becomes obsessed with this girl following where she walks from his roof and looking at her skirt that he found where the girl got raped.Thulani the boy soon tries to create a relationship with the girl.
June 10, 2014
Young adult, adult story set in New York City is an immigrant tale and love story. For me the book core is about how family ties fade away and how new families are created. This book depicts a brutal rape and early sexually experiences of teens. The young teen featured in the story faces the loss of his family home, his first job and letting go of things his hold most dear in order to move toward adulthood.
August 8, 2008
The concept of this story was good (a boy witnesses a rape from his rooftop and wants to help the victim), and I thought it was pretty well written. I did find the main character to be a bit too odd. I don't think it's because he's Jamaican. The whole pigeon thing was overdone, and I think will turn off teen readers.
October 20, 2009
My review about every time a rainbow dies is that it was not my type of book. It has a little more maturity than other books that i have read.In this book in the begginning this girl named ysa that got beaten and raped in a ally by some boys when i read that first part i felt that this book would to much for me.
January 29, 2021
Well.. that was kinda strange.
It's probably just my personal taste, but this book was rather weird and boring to me. Thulani and Ysa's romance was sweet, but that was pretty much the only thing I really liked about the book. Some scenes made me feel uncomfortable, and most of the book was Thulani yearning after/stalking Ysa. I did like the pigeons though heh. :)
It's probably just my personal taste, but this book was rather weird and boring to me. Thulani and Ysa's romance was sweet, but that was pretty much the only thing I really liked about the book. Some scenes made me feel uncomfortable, and most of the book was Thulani yearning after/stalking Ysa. I did like the pigeons though heh. :)
March 29, 2008
Wonderful voice. Incredible characters. I'm still trying to figure out how this story pulled me into a very real New York City setting.
I would classify this YA as edgy and for ages 16 and up because of sexual content.
I would classify this YA as edgy and for ages 16 and up because of sexual content.
October 20, 2009
I learned nothing from this book.It is very strange.It is like reading a slow law and order show.some things are very mature in the book.the story line is a little mixed up.But still Rita Williams-Garcia is an intelligent writer and has written better books.
April 9, 2017
Every time a rainbow dies...it sounds like some sort of magic. It is soft and it is hard. It is bitter and it is sweet. It is real, both more and less complicated than life ought to have a right to be and exactly like it just the same.
April 2, 2012
This book needs to be a series. The ending is such a cliff hanger. I love the concept and the setting goes with the characters. I enjoy the mixture of cultures as well. I am a major fan of Rita Williams-Garcia. She has great short reads.
August 14, 2007
totally disturbed me -- and it wasn't even the rape scene that did it.
beautiful imagery. realistic brooklyn neighborhood portrayal.
beautiful imagery. realistic brooklyn neighborhood portrayal.
February 23, 2008
Such wonderful imagery and beautifully circular.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews