First published 2020
Kenny Watson lives in Flint, Michigan with his parents, little sister Joetta, and thirteen-year-old brother Byron. Byron has earned the title of "official juvenile delinquent," and his antics have pushed the family to their limit. When Byron's behavior becomes too much to handle, the Watsons decide to drive south to Birmingham, Alabama, where Grandma lives. She's the one person they believe can straighten Byron out. The family piles into their car for the long journey to Alabama, hoping Grandma's firm hand will transform Byron's attitude. But their visit to Birmingham takes a devastating turn when they find themselves present during the bombing of Grandma's church. Kenny must navigate this traumatic event while dealing with his complicated feelings about his brother and trying to understand the violence and hatred that has shattered their family's world.
Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, coming-of-age, family-drama, african-american-historical-fiction
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Alabama, Birmingham, Flint, Michigan
Period: 1963
256 pages · Paperback · Yearling
Content warnings: racism, violence