Readers might not have any idea what to expect from the eerie yet captivating cover, but pay attention the the blood-red color and the design in the background; yes, that's a police lineup you see. This is a fast-paced novel that moves along even faster with some bullet point chapters from a rapidly changing cast of characters with a tie to all-male Urban Promise Prep School. Think of the style in which Jason Reynolds wrote LONG WAY DOWN, and readers will know just how fast they will be turning pages to find out what is going to happen... or go wrong. When the lone female, the school nurse, feels on edge and walks backward to her desk because she fears turning her back on one of the students, then there is no doubt about the serious subject matter. Lots of adults have ideas about who murdered the principal of Urban Prep, and the list of names of likely-to-be-guilty young men at the school seems to be a very short list. Unk talks tough and knows the principal never cared about him. But then there's the strong, tall J.B. who made the implicit threat, "I'mma see you."
This book instantly created a movie in my head, that's how strong the writing is. A must read, destined to be a new gritty classic.
This book instantly created a movie in my head, that's how strong the writing is. A must read, destined to be a new gritty classic.