I truly think everyone should read this. In this first novel, the author has written a book from a black teen’s perspective, which parallels the shooting of an unarmed black teenager, as has happened and caused riots here in the USA. Teens can be difficult, and no one in this story is perfect, by any means. But, there are many sides to any story, and this is a thought-filled book that I think people need to read to hear about the black experience in poor, violent, gang-ridden sections of large cities. Through the eyes of a teen, as well as the skillful writing of this new African American author, I believe there is a lot of perspective to be gained. I know many won’t even pick it up because they don’t want to know, but isn’t that part of the problem? Just because someone has not personally had to deal with this, doesn’t mean they should close their eyes and pretend there’s nothing wrong. Enlighten yourself and think about the title, from Malcolm X’s own words. Are you subtly, hiddenly, or openly passing on the hate you learned, whether you are black or white. We need to examine our own conscience’s to see what we are contributing to our society, possibly what each of us could do to improve racial justice and equality in our country.