This was a really interesting novel. It was based on a real life crime and all i can say is that police really suck sometimes. How are we supposed to put our trust in these people who are supposed to keep us safe when they do stuff like this? I would give this a read if you liked books like "The Hate You Give" or "The Long Way Down".

I spent most of this book thinking, "I like it, but it's not very believable." It wasn't until I read the author's note at the end that I discovered that Trell is based on a true story. This book will appeal to reluctant readers, and the mystery aspect keeps the pace moving.

The book's description intrigued me because the setting is near my home town, and I also remember the actual case the story was based on. Trell is a story based on a real life crime- the murder of an African American 12 yr old girl named Darlene Moore, who was sitting on a mailbox in Roxbury MA and was caught in the crossfire between rival gangs. The case itself made headlines and took years to resolve.

"Trell" was a pretty thrilling read where you can't help but feel connected to and proud of the 14-year-old main character. While the story was mostly interesting and managed to keep my attention, I found the writing to be flat and many of the story's details to be too obviously intertwined and too quickly revealed. This is perhaps the only time I'd ever say a work would be better as a movie. Nonetheless, it's a good story based on a true story that makes for a nice, quick YA fiction read.

Stories of false imprisonment and redemption can be just as compelling as traditional mysteries. This one doesn't skimp on characterization, at least in terms of the main cast. And it's fairly complex. The situation is complicated by gangs, drugs, prejudices, trauma, and power plays. There are no simple answers and it pushes us to re-examine our definition of innocence.
This is a good book to inspire tough social justice discussions.

Great book! So interesting and based on real life events which I love to read about. I loved the investigative journalism part of the book--I found that to be fascinating. Trell's father is in prison for a murder that he did not commit. After the appeal options are exhausted, Trell, her mother and lawyer seek out investigative reporter Dick Lehr in hopes of exposing the truth of the murder and also hopefully to get her father released from prison. There was a lot of gang related tension, drugs, poverty and violence discussed in the Boston area which was also very timely and gritty. Smart, interesting characters with current issues made easy to understand and follow as the story progressed. Obviously Mr Lehr did a lot of research and put his all into this novel. Definitely worth reading!

This is definitely one of those book you read and immediately think… OK who’s going to make this one into a movie? I love that this book was inspired by a true story, those always seem to draw me into the story more.
I feel like written from the perspective of Trell made the whole book more powerful. Here is a young girl trying to cope with a father in prison that she knows is innocent. How does someone deal with this, especially at such a young age. She is determined, courageous, and a lovable character.
This book was a page turner, that I would recommend to anyone. It touches on the topic of racism, collusion, and family dynamics. The story is so well written, I was enamored. I loved that it was written for the YA community. I feel like it could be life-changing to some people.I think this is the perfect timing for this book to be released.

Trell is a little girl full of zest and a ferocity that allows her to get things done. I had so much fun reading her story and watching at she takes a journey to prove her father’s innocence and find some true justice.


When I finished this book and I realized that the writer of this book was a journalist and had written about a case that truly happened, but then decided to write from the perspective of the little girl, it made me pause in utter respect. So many of the details and the hard work that went along with chasing a story felt so real to me. I loved how the dots all came together in the end and that every piece of information mattered (whether I knew that at the time or not).


Most of all I enjoyed the story of Trell bringing in new life to Globe Reporter Clemens Bittner and helping him to realize that he could finally do some good again (and really, just live a full life again). They felt very much like true family by the end and all along the way they did everything they could to be there for each other. Then, by bringing Clemens out of his bitterness Trell began to give her mom and her daddy’s lawyer something to truly fight for and when they all banded together that was something to really fight for.


Trell is the beautiful story of a family broken apart by the murder of a little girl on a blue mailbox. Her fight to free her father from his false accusations and convoluted framing creates this beautiful story that I could not put down. An important story to read in light of today’s current events. This book will inspire hearts and make them feel while again.

God, this was fantastic.
Finally, a book that really hits the reality nail on the head.
So many YA books and filled with love struck girls pining over their long lost love who has only been gone from their side for 5 minutes. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading those as a "fluff" sort of thing once in awhile but it's refreshing to see something centered on what we face in today's society.
There were no romantic relationships in this book, not a one. GREAT!
There was a relationship between the young girl and the adult man who was helping her but it was presented as real, not creepy, not crazy, not over the top. Nothing, just real. A white man, and a black girl who are just that. Where do you see that these days? The answer is simple...you don't.

This book was so well researched and written. I truly hope this ends up getting some screen time because it would do well. Kudos to the author!

Gripping and realistic YA? Check. Compelling and diverse characters? Check. A book that's easy to sink your teeth into? Check, check, check! Based on the real events that led to the overturning on Shawn Drumgold's 1988 conviction for the murder of a 12 year old girl. Trell is a gripping tale that highlights the power of a daughter's love, and value of conviction in legal counsel, and the ability of good journalism to expose the wrongs of a justice system prone to prejudice and corruption.

While this story is very much about Trell and her quest to gain her father's freedom, it about so much more! We see the redemption of Clemens as he comes to grips with the loss of his own son, the evolution of Nora as she transforms from a recent graduate to a criminal defence lawyer, and the reformation of Detective Boyle as he realizes that complacence can be the greatest crime of all. All in all, Lehr's narrative highlights how politics and a flawed justice system can come together to create the perfect storm, breeds contempt and indignation, and contributes to redlining. I genuinely feel that Trell will quickly find a place in middle and high school curriculums as it touches on so many heavy hitting issues, and should seriously be considered for YA book clubs as there is much discuss.

Would I recommend this book? Oh hell yes! Trell is gripping, well written, and provocative. It's the kind of book where you can't help but rooting for Trell while simultaneously becoming enraged with the failings of a system that is supposed to uphold justice. Filled with courage, determination, and enough twists to inspire those OMG moments that keep pages turning.

In this YA historical novel, a 13 year old is murdered in gang-related gunfire and the wrong person is convicted of the crime. Trell, a 14 year old young woman knows that an innocent person has been found guilty and works with a neighborhood criminal lawyer to reverse the conviction and bring justice. The author is a journalist and part of the Spotlight team from the Boston Globe. His work is well researched. Sheds light on nuanced issues behind racism, drug prosecution and the criminal justice system.