BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
12yo Shayla is just starting junior high. She's always been a good kid, and avoids trouble. Her older sister is part of the Black Lives Matter movement, but although Shayla is black, isn't really interested in getting involved. They live in West Los Angeles where a police officer is on trial for shooting a black man. When the verdict comes back "not guilty" Shayla feels like it's time for her to take a stand. She wears a black arm band to school and brings some for her friends and teammates. When the principal announces that arm bands are against dress code, Shayla must weigh getting in trouble against standing up for something she really believes in.
Oh, such a great read for middle school, there's a bunch of friend drama, boy drama, lunch room, sports and even a dance to advance the story. Shayla is a great character, trying new things, questioning old ideas and discovering who she is. I also liked the discussions of racism and protesting that weren't necessarily political.
Lisa Librarian
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