Reading Metrics
Description
Three Black teens are brought together after witnessing a horrific event at a shopping centre. From this tragedy, a bond of friendship is born. Text has profanity, violence, racism, criminal activity, bullying, negative stereotypes.
Quick Summary
Three Black teens form an unlikely friendship after witnessing a traumatic shooting at a shopping mall, and their bond deepens as they navigate grief, fear, and the challenges of trusting each other in the aftermath of violence. The novel tackles heavy themes including racial injustice, community trauma, bullying, and the complexities of friendship across different backgrounds while addressing how young people process witnessing violent events. If your teen connected with the powerful storytelling and social consciousness of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, they will find this same emotional depth and relevance in how these characters confront their reality. This book is best suited for students in grades 10-12 who are ready to engage with mature content including profanity, violence, and themes of racism, and who have a reading level around AR 4.9 or higher given the substantial 92,531 word count.