This is a solid concept for a middle grade novel. We have a young Black man starting to have an awakening to racism and history. He's learning how to be an activist and what things are worth fighting for. He's also starting to become aware of the difference between himself and his white peers. An unexpected tragedy becomes a catalyst for real change in his community. That all sounds quite solid and important. Unfortunately, the reading experience is stiff. The dialogue doesn't read like a real kid. The topic is important enough to be worth reading but it doesn't live up to the potential.

Black 12-year-old Lamar is an aspiring filmmaker living in Morton, Louisiana -- a town that is mostly still segregated, even in 2024. Lamar's grandfather was an activist during the Civil Rights Movement and a community organizer now who inspires Lamar to fight for what he believes is right. Lamar is excited to film a documentary about the life of his grandfather, but then, suddenly, Gramps is shot and killed. The shooter, a white man, local businessman, and former head of the KKK claims self-defense and without any witnesses, the sheriff is inclined to let him go without charge. Before long, a series of protests and counter-protests fill the small town, shining light on the injustice -- and Lamar is at the center of the action with his camera.
This is an unflinching depiction of contemporary segregation and racism in America. Though the narrative never shies away from honesty, it is also told in a way that is accessible for middle grade readers. Pair with Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes for a frank look at racism and racially motivated violence.

Wade Hudson shows a powerful tale of racism that affects many people out there. This was such a strong story and the characters felt like real people, it was a very sad story that needed to be told. It was really well done and I would read more from Wade Hudson.

I was really looking forward to reading this one because I loved the idea of a young person with a camera documenting his experiences. I thought it was going to be an intense, emotional journey for me. There were a few moments throughout the book that made my eyes sweat a bit but for the most part the writing was a bit young for me which is ok because the book was not written for me it was written for younger people. I think my sons (lower middle grade) and the intended demographic will enjoy reading this. There is an important message in this book and it excites me knowing that so many young people will be able to read it.

DNF 15%

This sounds like it’d be a great, intense story, but the writing is just too young for me. This is of course 1000% a me thing, and I’m sure that means it’s extremely accessible to the intended audience. Unfortunately, it just reads choppy and all the explanations of words is hitting a personal irritant. Again, these are aspects that are perfect for a middle grade and I can see this working great for the intended age demographic.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the advance Kindle copy of this book. It is out 1.2.24! All opinions are my own.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Lamar is a budding filmmaker and is just starting to learn about his grandfather’s past when his grandfather is shot and killed by a white man after an altercation. In the aftermath, Lamar’s family fights for justice and Lamar films a tribute to his grandfather. The subject matter is important, but the writing felt a little simplistic. I’m not sure that this one adds anything to my collection that isn’t already better represented, but readers and libraries looking to add lower-middle school titles on racial injustice may be interested. Recommended for grades 5-

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

**Spoilers, but they appear in the publisher's synopsis as well.**

Lamar lives in the South with his family in a town called Morton. There are parts of the town that his parents don't want him to visit because there have been some incidents, but he is a budding film maker and wants to capture his town for a documentary. He angers a local thug, Mike Crosby, and luckily his grandfather, Joshua Phillips, happens by and gives Lamar and his friend T.C. (who is white) a ride home. In talking to his grandfather about his current project, he is reminded that his grandfather was a Civil Rights activist in the 1960s. After a long career in the postal service (a job he got because he was a Vietnam veteran, and which was groundbreaking because he was only the second Black man hired in the area), he continued to speak up for change. His current project is getting the town to pave the streets in the Black areas of town. Lamar decides to do his documentary on his grandfather. Sadly, not too long into the project, Joshua is involved in a traffic accident, and is shot and killed by a white man who claims that Joshua attacked him. This man has a history of racist behavior, and the community is outraged. Lamar's sister, Kyra, who is an activist herself, works to stage a protest to draw attention to this latest in unjust killings. The law enforcement in town is willing to believe the white man, but when a video of the altercation surfaces in Lamar's e mail, he knows he needs to push for more investigation. Unfortunately, the video came from a friend whose family is now in a difficult position and must leave town. Will Lamar be able to get justice for the grandfather that he was just getting to know better?
Strengths: This had several things that I always like to see in middle grade stories; children doing things, supportive parents, and strengthening ties with grandparents. This also had a very strong, small town setting, and a lot of timely information about Civil Rights both past and present. There is an interesting scene where Joshua is showing a documentary about Civil Rights to Lamar and several friends, and one friend is not at all interested in knowing the history of how Black people were treated. I see a lot of students like this, which is why I like to have books with this information to hand to readers who are interested in Civil Rights and who enjoyed Jackson's The Lucky Ones.
Weaknesses: There is a lot of information about filming, classic films, and Civil Rights that, while very interesting, occasionally slows down the pace of the story .
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked Hudson's memoir Defiant, or stories that highlight the continued racism, especially in the South, like Buford's Kneel or Coles' Black Was the Ink.