"How could this be real? Even in a book or movie this wouldn't fly. Like if I wrote this in English class, Ms. Avery would write in her big red pen, 'Too heavy-handed. Rewrite.'" 

I wanted to like this way more than I did. Queer/neurodivergent kids! Alien apocalypse! Mental health issues! It had a really strong start and the representation is solid, but about a quarter of the way through the pacing began to feel off and sloooow, the details of the premise a stretch and, like the author mentions, it was all a bit too heavy handed. By the time the end wrapped up too quickly and easily I was already checked out. The story behind the story shared in the acknowledgements was really touching, but not enough to make up for the faults and in the end, if I struggled to make it through, my students would even more. Cover art 10/10.

A fascinating exploration of a unique event in American and Tennessee history. Even living nearby and being somewhat familiar with the story, I was genuinely surprised by many of the details and was captivated by how we are repeating this same history 100 years later, especially in our history classrooms. This is a brief, narrative examination of the history and subject, filled with photos and lots of back matter. I think students interested in this type of nonfiction will be engaged throughout.