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careycarpenter's review against another edition
4.0
A great book to introduce or explain the Black Lives Matter movement. Narrated by a teenager living in a poor, run down neighborhood with gangs ruling the streets, she tells the story of how her best friends are killed and how she’s trying to fit in at a mostly white, affluent school on the other side of the tracks. Lots of really big issues are covered in this book in a good way to educate and open a conversation. Thought provoking and well written. I’d recommend this book to anyone over the age of 14.
sarahmcgurren13's review against another edition
5.0
Such an amazing book and should be read by all. I was skeptical at first, thinking this was a
BLM, anti-police novel. However, the author acknowledges that not all cops are bad, but some cops do bad things. It allowed me to expand my perspective on the events occurring in our country today. I would definitely read another book by Thomas to further my repertoire of Black authors and Black characters.
BLM, anti-police novel. However, the author acknowledges that not all cops are bad, but some cops do bad things. It allowed me to expand my perspective on the events occurring in our country today. I would definitely read another book by Thomas to further my repertoire of Black authors and Black characters.
silent_mortem's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Hate crime, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Grief, and Murder
liannev_os's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
sirkkuwrites's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
rageandresist's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I read this book back in my high school years. I was partly away from racism; I was aware and against of it, but I was in such a bliss. This book gave me another outlook -- a radical reform for my horizons as a naive kid (also when I realized how fucked up authorities are #ACAB).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Police brutality
ampetersen25's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
emmabeckman's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book serves as a good introduction to a tough topic, especially for younger YA readers. It's not overwrought with facts about legal process, while it overflows with emotion and real-life experience. I thought it was a really solid read and younger readers will definitely gain from it in terms of understanding current events in America.
lisa_reads_a_lot's review against another edition
5.0
16 year old Starr is forced to find her strength and voice when her friend is shot and killed in front of her. A powerful story about a case of police brutality and the effect it has on everyone, everywhere.