This was a fast, unique, and compelling story of three boys suspected of murdering their prep school principal. They have to overcome the evidence against them, as well as the prejudice of all those in authority, to figure out who really killed him in order to save themselves.
This was a really creative approach to a murder mystery. In addition to chapters providing the POV of each of the three accused students--Trey, JB, and Ramon--we also get transcripts from their police interrogations, news clips, and testimonials of the people around them, both who knew them and those that didn't. It makes it very clear just how much the color of their skin played a role in the accusations, and the assumptions made by just about everyone.
Beyond the murder accusation, it was pretty upsetting to read about this school, which essentially felt like it was just training minority boys for prison rather than college, and you couldn't help but feel connected to each of the characters and the frustrations they faced in this environment, where all authority assumes the worst of them.
It was YA, so it was a bit simplistic, and I was left with a couple questions about how things came together, but overall I really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend.
This was a really creative approach to a murder mystery. In addition to chapters providing the POV of each of the three accused students--Trey, JB, and Ramon--we also get transcripts from their police interrogations, news clips, and testimonials of the people around them, both who knew them and those that didn't. It makes it very clear just how much the color of their skin played a role in the accusations, and the assumptions made by just about everyone.
Beyond the murder accusation, it was pretty upsetting to read about this school, which essentially felt like it was just training minority boys for prison rather than college, and you couldn't help but feel connected to each of the characters and the frustrations they faced in this environment, where all authority assumes the worst of them.
It was YA, so it was a bit simplistic, and I was left with a couple questions about how things came together, but overall I really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend.