4.5 stars

Wow. This book is a total gut punch. It is intense, intelligent, and heart-wrenching. The writing feels authentic to the characters and Justyce felt very much like a teenage boy, despite his often very mature analysis of things. The situations addressed in the book are very direct and face racist comments and actions head on. The author did a good job of examining the situations from multiple angles, addressing common responses to similar racial situations.

I recognize that, as a white reader, my experience in reading this book is limited and my ability to fully understand the background and evaluate authenticity is limited.

However, this was an incredibly powerful work that I felt to be very accessible for any reader. It is a good primer for racial education in those who perhaps don't see the full picture as it pulls no punches, delving into the issues of racial inequality with eyes wide open. An excellent and NECESSARY read.