This is the perfect YA read for today. Focus on police brutality, racism, and Black Lives Matter themes make this a timely read for teens or anyone frustrated with the current struggles in our society.
Monroe and Westmond are two towns separated by an interstate highway, but they are also separated by attitudes that threaten to destroy the youth in their midst. Monroe is home to a primarily Black population while Westmond's residents are mostly White. There has been tension between the two communities, and racism rears its ugliness at a high school football game between the two rivals.
When a Westmond student aims the N-word at Rus and his friend Marion, a tousle breaks out resulting in the arrest of Marion for assault and resisting arrest. It was clear that the punches came from the Westmond student and Rus saw that Marion never resisted when the police cuffed him. Unfortunately, no one is listening to their side of the story.
Since a recent shooting claimed the life of a Black teen and the police officer who fired the fatal shot is still on active duty, tensions are running high. Rus is frustrated because Marion, the Monroe team's quarterback, is barred from playing by the football league. It is their senior year and scouts are going to be showing up with potential scholarship offers. Out of frustration Rus takes a knee during the national anthem which causes an uproar with the community, his parents, and his coach. How can Rus help Marion prove his innocence and at the same time stand up for what he believes is right without losing scholarship offers that might be his only chance to leave Monroe for some place better?
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