Thank you partner @cocoachapters and @penguinteen for the gifted copy True True by Don P. Hooper
Gil, a teen living in Brooklyn transfers from public school to a private academy for his senior year of high school to participate in the robotics program. Shortly after the semester begins, he is the victim of a racist attack by the school’s football players. The incident spirals and Gil learns about the systemic racism at the foundation of Augustin Prep’s legacy. He unites with other students to expose and fix the school’s culture
Gil and his family and friends were likable characters that readers will root for.
Gil is goal-oriented, cares for his family (including his beloved aging Granma) and tries to be a good friend to Rej and Stretch even when school activities become overwhelming. At the Always Persevere dojo, Gil is a leader and a “big bro” that Kenya and the younger martial arts students look up to.
I liked that Gil looked to a book for guidance. Reading The Art of War helped him learn to strategize and plan before reacting. I also appreciated that as an aspiring journalist, Tammy showed Gil and the other students that there is power in telling your story and there is power in community and allyship.
I understand that this is a YA book and the teens were the main characters, but I would have liked to know more about Ms. Willis, Ms. Column and Sensai. Maybe there could be another book about Augustin Prep? I also would have liked to see Black alumni become involved.
Reading this book with a teen in your life is a good way to discuss difficult topics.
Tough Topics: police brutality, overt racism, microaggressions, inequity in education, immigration, politics, allyship, dementia, stress
Gil, a teen living in Brooklyn transfers from public school to a private academy for his senior year of high school to participate in the robotics program. Shortly after the semester begins, he is the victim of a racist attack by the school’s football players. The incident spirals and Gil learns about the systemic racism at the foundation of Augustin Prep’s legacy. He unites with other students to expose and fix the school’s culture
Gil and his family and friends were likable characters that readers will root for.
Gil is goal-oriented, cares for his family (including his beloved aging Granma) and tries to be a good friend to Rej and Stretch even when school activities become overwhelming. At the Always Persevere dojo, Gil is a leader and a “big bro” that Kenya and the younger martial arts students look up to.
I liked that Gil looked to a book for guidance. Reading The Art of War helped him learn to strategize and plan before reacting. I also appreciated that as an aspiring journalist, Tammy showed Gil and the other students that there is power in telling your story and there is power in community and allyship.
I understand that this is a YA book and the teens were the main characters, but I would have liked to know more about Ms. Willis, Ms. Column and Sensai. Maybe there could be another book about Augustin Prep? I also would have liked to see Black alumni become involved.
Reading this book with a teen in your life is a good way to discuss difficult topics.
Tough Topics: police brutality, overt racism, microaggressions, inequity in education, immigration, politics, allyship, dementia, stress