This is one of those books that I figured I wouldn't like because it looked like a sports book, but then thought I might like because it is a fantasy book. But then I realized I LOVE this book because among all that fantasy, there are real facts and real depths to this book. It made me think (a lot). It made me mad. It made me happy. It made me cry, more than once. How does an author manage to cover racism with such delicate skill? I was amazed, and as a person in what some would call a "mixed" marriage with children that are half hispanic, I really could relate to the pain and anger expressed by some of the characters in this book. I'm grateful we live in a loving community where it's never been an issue, but I'll never forget some of the nasty incidents Mr. G and I experienced while living in Georgia. Some people just don't have a clue.

Read this book! It's worth it. The author uses the "N" word three times in this book, even though she believes it's the most hateful word in the English language. And I agree with her. However, the author has a good point as to why she chose to use it. "In each of the three cases, I was relying on facts and real quotes." And she also stated, "Although it is morally wrong to use this word, censoring it would be an attempt to sanitize the past. I refuse to do so- for the sake of children or any readers, for that matter. When we try to alter histroy, we cannot truly understand and learn from our mistakes, and we are guilty of diminishing the truly great acts of heroism in the battle against racism."

I wish this book could be a school-wide read. I like it that much!