Age: 8th grade-high school
Tough Issues: Racial profiling,

Spoiler

murder by a police officer

First line: "From where he's standing across the street, Justyce can see her: Melo Taylor, ex-girlfriend, slumped over beside her Benz on the damp concrete of the FarmFresh parking lot."

This book is full of things teens want--and need to hear. Whether it's confirming their own experiences as teens of color or providing an intimate account into a teenage boy's struggle with being black in America, children need to read this. A similar foundation as The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas, Justyce attends a predominately white prep school. His recent unprovoked encounter with the police reinforces his growing disconnect with his peers--peers that think that racial discrimination is a thing of the past.

In addition to these tough issues, Stone has an incredible way of writing fiction. Although the length is short (and appealing to occasional readers), it is full of depth, rich characters, a charming romance, and a gripping plot.

"Justyce McAllister is top of his class and set for the Ivy League—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. And despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates. Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.

Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack."