This Is My America

Tracy’s dad was wrongly convicted for murder and is on death row. He’s running out of time. She writes to organizations asking for help. She leads Know Your Rights workshops. Her father’s supposed crime has taken over her life. Then she faces more disaster. Her classmate is found dead. Her brother is the suspect. Can Tracy use her knowledge of the law to find the real murderer and save her family? Because her family is Black, the system will be against them. Will justice be enough to go against racism, or will they be silenced like many before them?

This novel was moving and powerful. It’s an important book, particularly now. It helped me realize that I am comfortable with the police, but not everyone has the luxury of knowing the system will work for them. Some of the hatred demonstrated by some characters did seem unrealistic, but I don’t know if I can judge this. Obviously, this is for teenagers (murder, sad topics, and a plethora of swear words.) It’s very thrilling, with suspense and mystery. Overall, this is a nail-biting, empowering book, and a worthwhile purchase.