Age: 4th-7th grade
Identity: Female mixed (black mother, white father)
Immigration: Dominican Republic
Tough Issue: Deportation, Institutionalized racism,

Spoiler

Mother died in car accident, father imprisoned

First Line: "We think they took my papi."

Seven 5th-grade students are given a free period to sit and discuss whatever is on their minds, without the supervision or guidance of a teacher or adult. This freedom from authority will draw middle grade readers in to the lives of fledgling tweens of color and their experiences with modern issues. The brevity of the text is another appealing factor for readers, but Woodson packs heavy themes alongside a tantalizing plot with such fluidity and power. This is an essential classroom discussion book.