This is a really intense read--Talley's end notes say she read a lot of memoirs and oral histories from black students who integrated historically white schools, and I think that shows in how intensely she portrays the day-to-day life of Sarah, a black high school senior, as she's one of 10 kids integrating a white high school, how the name-calling, pencil-poking, and other small aggressions add up to be nearly unbearable.

I was less interested in Linda's POV...I think it's a tricky line to walk, to get into the head of a racist segregationalist and show how her views come from her parents, etc etc etc...but, for a teen reader (particularly a white one) it might be a little more eye-opening and self-reflection-inducing. I think Talley is also pretty consciously drawing parallels between the civil rights movement and the LGBTQ rights movement.

I love that this is an interacial, historical, queer romance--I think it's important to give teens an example that there were lesbians Back in the Day. Particularly for Sarah, to see how her identities intersected. I will say that I didn't...totally buy their romance? Particularly why Sarah would like Linda?! I think I'd be interested to read a sequel further developing those two after high school.