This is the true story of Sasha and Richard who were on the 57 bus together one fateful day in November 2013. While the students didn't know each other, they crossed paths every day on the bus. When circumstances lead Richard to light Sasha's skirt on fire, a fire that leaves Sasha badly burned, their lives are forever changed. As much a book about an agender teen and the hate crime that was committed against them, as it is a book about the inequality of the justice system for young African American males. The topics this covers are too important to not read. Highly recommended for grades 8 and up. 

Sheinken did what he does best - makes nonfiction feel like a novel. The story of Daniel Ellsberg will keep you plugged in to the bitter end. Most Americans(myself included) don't know the whole story behind the Pentagon Papers, just that the Vietnam War was contentious to say the least. In history classes they teach about Kent State, and the draft evaders along with major points of the war. What they never talk about is what Sheinken has covered in this book - that our troops continued to be sent to Vietnam so the sitting President wouldn't be the first U. S. President to lose a war.

My father is a Vietnam Vet. Despite this fact, I didn't know much about it -  it is a war that was glossed over in school and never really discussed. If you want a true understanding of the reasons behind and why we stayed in the war read this book. It is riveting.  This book shines a light on a controversial part of American history. It is important to understand this part of our history and you won't be taught this in school. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Adult: 5/5
YA: 5/5