It's All About the Moon When the Sun Ain't Shining — Ernest Hill

An ambitious young black man transforms his life with the help of an unexpected ally I this “poignant portrait of a young man at a crossroads” (Booklist).
 
It's the 1970s and Maurice Dupree is the first person in his family to go to college. Now he's on his way to becoming the first African American attorney in his hometown of Brownsville, Louisiana. If only the woman he loves was as happy for him as everyone else. But Omenita Jones isn't planning on waiting three more years to start a life with Maurice. If he wants to go to law school, that's fine. But she won't be waiting when he's finished.
 
Feeling more alone than ever, Maurice finds an unexpected ally in a young white woman. Danielle Davenport is the daughter of an influential judge. Maurice's mother is the Davenports' longtime housekeeper. As his friendship with this compassionate woman grows, she becomes a source of strength when he makes a stunning choice, one that will put everything -- and everyone -- to the test.