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The Black Kids

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( 10,995 ratings, 2,121 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed is a powerful coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. It follows Ashley Bennett, a wealthy Black teenager who had previously been somewhat insulated from racial tensions. As chaos unfolds in the city, Ashley is forced to confront her own identity and the realities of racism, changing her perspective on life and the world around her.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in coming-of-age stories that tackle complex issues like race, identity, and privilege. Set against the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the narrative offers a powerful exploration of a young girl's journey towards self-discovery in a divided society. You might enjoy this book if you appreciate stories that intertwine historical events with personal growth and reflection.

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Perfect for fans of The Hate U Give, this unforgettable coming-of-age debut novel explores issues of race, class, and violence through the eyes of a wealthy black teenager whose family gets caught in the vortex of the 1992 Rodney King Riots.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Perfect for fans of The Hate U Give, this unforgettable coming-of-age debut novel is an unflinching exploration of race, class, and violence as well as the importance of being true to yourself.

Los Angeles, 1992

Ashley Bennett and her friends are living the charmed life. It’s the end of high school and they’re spending more time at the beach than in the classroom. They can already feel the sunny days and endless possibilities of summer.

But everything changes one afternoon in April, when four police officers are acquitted after beating a black man named Rodney King half to death. Suddenly, Ashley’s not just one of the girls. She’s one of the black kids.

As violent protests engulf LA and the city burns, Ashley tries to continue on as if life were normal. Even as her self-destructive sister gets dangerously involved in the riots. Even as the model black family façade her wealthy and prominent parents have built starts to crumble. Even as her best friends help spread a rumour that could completely derail the future of her classmate and fellow black kid, LaShawn Johnson.

With her world splintering around her, Ashley, along with the rest of LA, is left to question who is the us? And who is the them?

Praise for The Black Kids:

'Should be required reading in every classroom' – Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin

'A prescient coming-of-age debut' – Elle.com

'Utterly brilliant' – STYLIST

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed is praised for its resonant exploration of race and privilege, as experienced through the eyes of a wealthy Black teenager during the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Many reviews highlight the depth of character development and the compelling narrative that deftly combines personal growth with social commentary. The book has been commended for its engaging storytelling and authentic portrayal of historical events, making it a relevant read for contemporary audiences.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781471188190

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 August 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Christina Hammonds Reed holds an MFA from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. A native of the Los Angeles area, her work has previously appeared in the Santa Monica Review and One Teen Story. Her first novel, The Black Kids, was a New York Times bestseller and William C. Morris Award Finalist.

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