Cay: A Story of Racism, Friendship, and Resilience Cay is a novel written by Theodore Taylor that tells the story of a young boy named Phillip and his friendship with a black boy named Timothy during World War II. Phillip and his mother are on a ship that is torpedoed by a German submarine, and they are stranded on a small island in the Caribbean. Phillip, who was blinded in the attack, is forced to rely on Timothy, who teaches him to survive on the island. As the story progresses, Phillip learns about racism and how it affects Timothy's family and their community. Phillip's initial prejudice towards Timothy begins to fade as he gets to know him as a person and not just as a black boy. He sees the injustice Timothy and his people face, and he becomes determined to do something about it. Throughout the novel, the themes of racism and friendship are intertwined, showing how deep-rooted prejudices can be overcome by getting to know and understand individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. Cay also explores the concept of resilience, as both Phillip and Timothy face incredible hardships on the island. They must learn to survive without any modern amenities or conveniences, and they must also face the danger of being discovered by enemy forces. Despite the obstacles they face, they persevere and work together to overcome the challenges that come their way. In conclusion, Cay is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of racism, friendship, and resilience. The story of Phillip and Timothy's friendship is an inspiring tale of overcoming prejudice and accepting people for who they are. It is a story that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, and it is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.