This book has been instrumental in the revival of education about Emmett Till and his brutal murder. Every year our students at the junior high learn about Emmett and are astounded and enraged that something like this could happen with no legal consequence and limited (in my opinion) social consequences. The author does a fantastic job of gathering facts and stringing them into a coherent and engaging narrative while still remaining true to some of the inconsistencies and mystery involved in the case. This is a relatively short book and can easily be implemented into a school curriculum, and in my opinion, it certainly should be added into the classic rotation of junior high literature. I'll e working to bring it into my curriculum, or perhaps begrudgingly give it to the other grade level English teacher at my school. Either way, this book will be joining my library and most likely my rotation of whole classroom novels.

** For teachers and parents, there are some descriptions and widely published photos of Emmett's beaten and mutilated body. They are there for a direct purpose and Emmett's mother chose an open casket viewing of the body and sanctioned publication of these photos in Jet Magazine. This is an account of graphic violence. It may be best to use your judgement as to when your student(s) is/are mature enough for this material and the discussions that should follow it.**