A gripping and highly relevant new YA novel, speaking to many of the issues raised by the Black Lives Matter movement. Starr sees her best friend Khalil shot by a police officer, and is instantly not only bereaved but at the centre of an explosive situation.
Starr is already in a difficult position: she’s not sure where she belongs, as a 16 year old living in a poor neighbourhood and attending an upmarket (mainly white) school. It’s a novel of political and romantic awakening, with a compelling storyline and believable teen and adult characters.
The only drawback for me was that it made me feel old – one of the teenagers is named after a band member from Jodeci, prompting other characters to comment that their very old (i.e. late 30s) parents also love this band! There are several moments of kindness, solidarity and humour in this very readable novel, which has won high praise from YA superstar John Green.
It is a US smash hit and a mind-expanding read, requested by several of our customers as soon as it was released, I expect this to be a hit in the bookshop this summer. A movie is due soon too.
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