Language: R (100+ swears, 54 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (teen drinking, marijuana, foreplay, arousal mentioned ; Violence: PG-13 (gun deaths, riots, beatings, police violence, fires set)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Starr lives in a rough part of town and after one of her best friends gets shot in a drive by shooting when they’re ten, Starr’s parents have her attend a private school that’s safer. Now Starr is 16yo and she witnesses her other childhood friend getting fatally shot by a police officer. Her friend did nothing to provoke the shooting, except for being black.
Thomas has a powerful novel that is about much more than racism. It’s also about choices, bravery, integrity and helping others. This book has a lot of swearing which is authentic to the lifestyle of the character’s surroundings, but the message of empowerment makes it a must read. This is a novel that will stick with me. I liked how the author shows reality and brings her characters to life to make the readers care about them. I like that two different worlds are brought together by two teens living in both and experiencing the stark differences in each. Character development is abundant and bravery and integrity are a huge factor in the main character’s life and family. I love how the main character’s family is open to discussing everything instead of keeping secrets from each other.
LynnDell Watson, Delta High School Librarian
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