The Inside Battle

by Melanie Sumrow

Thirteen-year-old Rebel Mercer lives in west Texas with his dad, Nathan, and his aunt Birdie. His dad is finally home after serving in the military, and Rebel longs for his approval. But something isn't right. His dad has PTSD, and lately he has been spending his time communicating with a racist, anti-government militia group called the Flag Bearers. Rebel doesn't agree with his dad's newfound ideas, but he turns a blind eye to them. So when his best friend Ajeet beats Rebel at a robotics tournament by using one of Rebel's pieces, Rebel begins to wonder if there's some truth to what his dad has been saying, and he lashes out at Ajeet.

Expelled from school, Rebel's dad takes him to the mountains of Oklahoma, where they meet up with the Flag Bearers. Soon his dad is engulfed in the group and its activities, and they're becoming more and more dangerous. When Rebel gets wind of a planned attack on an African American church, he knows that this group has gone too far and innocent people could get hurt. Can Rebel find his voice and stop the Flag Bearers from carrying out their plans before it's too late?

The Inside Battle is a gripping story of family, bravery, and speaking up for what's right from author Melanie Sumrow.

Genres: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Contemporary, Childrens, Race

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 3, 2020

About the author

MELANIE SUMROW is the award-winning author of Girls Like Her, The Inside Battle, and The Prophet Calls. Before turning her attention to writing, she worked as a lawyer for more than sixteen years, many of her cases involving children and teens. She received her MFA in Writing from Hamline University and lives in Dallas. You can visit her online at melaniesumrow.com.

Reviews

[Hema Penmetsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Melanie Sumrow’s debut novel THE PROPHET CALLS, so I had high expectations for this book, her second one. And, boy! Does she deliver.

This book, similar to the author’s debut novel, deals with poignant and timely subjects such as racism, immigration, white supremacy, and mental illness. Sumrow tackles them with such a direct and honest approach that the points she makes come across that much stronger. (I’m floored by her talent of exploring such weighty topics so gracefully and age-appropriately in MG books!)

I love Rebel, the protagonist, who’s sensitive and a thinker. He’s passionate about all things mechanical, like Legos and robotics—even if quietly and a bit surreptitiously around his tough, ex-Marine dad and with good reason. By the end of the story, however, Rebel learns to own these, his strengths, as well as his weaknesses, on which he begins to work.

And I adore Calliope. Confident, outdoorsy and secure in herself, she makes for a great role model. With her love of both sport and learning (I loved all the random but fun facts she keeps spouting!) she declares—with little fanfare, mind—that it’s totally okay to be yourself. That you don’t have to be an either/or.

And the friendship between Rebel and Calliope is precious. Sumrow subtly reminds readers that each of us must speak up against discrimination and hatred. Yes, it takes courage to do so—she admits—in the form of Calliope steadfastly encouraging Rebel to find his voice. (“If you remain silent, you’re telling the hater you’re okay with what he’s saying and doing.”)

Although technically geared toward middle-grade kids, this is one of those rare books that captivate readers of all ages and help start honest conversations involving difficult and uncomfortable topics (both among adults and kids). And this is *the* need of the hour.

[Mr. Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so close to giving this 5 stars but I settled on 4. I really enjoyed it a lot. It was exciting and emotional and horrifying, and I hope it finds a large audience. Definitely for 7th/8th grade.

I also loved the author's book, The Phophet Calls, and am looking forward to reading more by her.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Melanie Sumrow does it again -- she has a flair for writing books that keep me up turning pages! This story takes the reader inside a sub culture of our divisive society that is uncomfortable to experience, yet so important to know about. Memorable characters then lovingly show us a way out of hatred and fear.
Bonus: hand this one to reluctant readers on your robotics team!

[Mandy Stallard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melanie Sumrow's second novel continues in the same vein as her first, The Prophet Calls, in that it tackles difficult topics. In The Inside Battle, publishing March of 2020, Rebel Mercer's father is suffering from PTSD, and he has become disillusioned with society. He decides that the best thing for him and Rebel is to go live in the middle of nowhere with a militia group called the Flag Bearers. Rebel quickly realizes that the Flag Bearers are dangerous, hateful people. While avoiding his dad, Rebel meets a young African American girl named Calliope, and they hit it off. Unfortunately, when Rebel's dad discovers that his new friend is not white, he makes quite a scene in public. Rebel is faced with an extremely difficult choice: stand up to his dad and tell him he doesn't agree with his beliefs or say nothing and lose his friendship with Calliope. When Rebel finds out what the Flag Bearers' secret mission is, he has to take a long hard look at his dad, and decide if the man he used to know is still there, or has he become someone who could hurt innocent people.

Sumrow's first novel featured a very strong-willed and opinionated young girl as her main character. I quickly fell in love with Gentry's character because of her feisty nature. It took longer for me to like Rebel. Rebel is afraid of speaking his mind, so he often stands by and says nothing even when he sees something bad happening. This aspect of his character made him harder to like, but I was rooting for him all along to speak up to his father. The publishers have suggested this book for children ages 12 and up. While there are not any scenes of graphic violence of profane language, it is probably better suited for the upper middle-grade crowd. This book would make for an interesting companion to a novel like Ghost Boys. I think students would be able to have important discussions about racism and hate. I also think that Sumrow's novel will show students the importance of "if you see something, say something." In the aftermath of a violent act, we often see that there could have been warning signs that the perpetrator was planning to harm others. Students will hopefully see that even though it may be hard to speak out against a loved one or friend, sometimes it's the only thing you can do to help that person.

[Arielfranchakyahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it weird that I want to start this review by discussing the Author’s Note in the back? Maybe, but I am going to do it anyway. First of all, I love when authors explain why they wrote their book and give insight into their thinking process. Sumrow explains that she wrote this book for two reasons: certain groups trying to normalize racism in the U.S. and our country’s disservice to veterans suffering from PTSD. Both issues were seamlessly woven together in this original middle grade novel.

One of my favorite quotes is from Josiah, an older veteran who gives Rebel, the main character, advice. Since I have the ARC, I can’t quote directly from the book, but in summary, Josiah tells Rebel that many veterans struggle. They are told they should be happy to be alive and grateful to be back home. But that attitude is what keeps veterans feeling ashamed and too embarrassed to seek help.

Calliope, Rebel’s new friend, gives him some important advice as well. If you are silent, you are saying you’re ok with spreading hatred. Ultimately, Rebel finds his voice and takes a stand, even if it means going against his own father.

I have a read a ton of middle grade and young adult novels, but I have never read one with a character quite like Rebel. In the beginning of the story, Rebel knows racism is wrong, yet is guilty of it himself. He makes mistakes and even graffitis hate speech on another student’s locker, which gets him expelled from school. He temporarily gets sucked in to his father’s bizarre beliefs, but knows how wrong they are. Quickly he realizes his father and the strange militia group he joins are completely wrong and Rebel exhibits bravery and strength to stop them.

I highly recommend this captivating middle grade novel and look forward to sharing it with my students.
Rebel is such a strong example of how characters make mistakes but are capable of growth and change. Five out of five stars. #LitReviewCrew

[Polly Holyoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melanie Sumrow has penned an outstanding story for older middle grade readers. She tackles the difficult topics of racism and the stigma of PTSD with tact and sensitivity in this tale of a 13-year-old boy forced to join a white supremacist militia along with his father. Rebel Mercer desperately wants to earn his father's acceptance, but Rebel soon comes to realize his own beliefs are painfully different from his father's and his fellow members of the Flag Bearers. Gripping and emotionally satisfying, this novel will keep middle schoolers turning pages as they race to find out if Rebel will find his own voice in time to save innocent lives. Strongly recommended.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful--and thought-provoking--portrayal of a 13-year-old boy, Rebel Mercer, who confronts the ugliness of bigotry and racism when his father exposes him to the Flag Bearers, an anti-government militia group, in the mountains of Oklahoma. Fast paced and beautifully written, Sumrow's sophomore middle-grade novel explores topical issues in a fresh, deeply sensitive way. Highly recommended.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Sumrow's writing is compelling and certainly kept me reading, this book left me unsettled. First, I had a hard time believing that Rebel would treat his best friend so poorly that he would scrawl straight up hate speech over a bunch of lockers, especially given how Rebel is clearly disgusted by his father's racism (despite not saying anything because that is perfectly realistic for a 13 year old boy).

We also don't know anything about Ajeet other than him and Rebel are besties and that he is into robotics and later you find out his parents are a doctor and a lawyer. The name "Ajeet" is clearly supposed to be foreign but I barely got a sense of him as a person. I don't know how much they actually care about each other, especially since there is a point early on where Rebel dismisses Ajeet's concerns about racism. I have a hard time believing the jump from "we're besties" to "go back to your country."

Another aspect of this book that is troubling is the two black characters. Another reviewer says they are "magical negroes" and I agree. Why am I to believe that a black person is going to remain friends with a white person after the racist assault they experience at the hands of the people from the compound?

I understand that Sumrow wants to impart to young people that they should speak upand speak out when things are wrong, but what if it's not safe? what if children are in a similar situation with ap parent or adult that is far gone down the conspiricy rabbit hole. Is speaking out really going to help their situation??

I appreciate Sumrow's attempt to discuss issues of white supremacy, especially given the context we're living in, but the story is lacking, even though I found it to be hard to put down.

[Viral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Little Bee Books for the ARC provided at BEA 2019 in return for an honest review!

While this book is technically for middle grade children, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it excellently tackled some incredibly important and relevant issues today, namely mental illness and trauma within the American veteran community, immigration, racism and white supremacy. The book shows how people, especially young people can get roped into hate and evil in their moments of weakness by agents of reaction, and silence in the face of evil makes you complicit. While grappling with this, it also gives us hope that we aren't destined to endlessly hate one another, and that a better world is in fact possible.

My sole complaint was the laundering of the legacy and name of the FBI, and institution that has historically and presently been a major source of systematic state violence against people of color, from it's origins during WW2 through the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, to how it illegally surveills Muslim communities today and has had numerous scandals of white supremacist terror cell infiltrations. It has not shown itself to be an agency worth trusting, and is hardly an agency committed to breaking white supremacy as implied in this book. That's my main complaint.

Overall, a good book for children to read about the problems in their society right now that leaves them aware and hopeful with the tools needed to identify and stop the creeping pull of white supremacist thought in their communities. Highly reccomend for middle grade students.

[Laney Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than anything thirteen-year-old Rebel Mercer wants his father's approval. But when his father who is suffering from PTSD takes Rebel to live with a racist, anti-government militia group in the mountains of Oklahoma, Rebel struggles to speak up against what he knows is wrong. As the author did with her debut novel (THE PROPHET CALLS), Melanie Sumrow skillfully immerses young readers (age 12 and up) in a world that will (most likely) be unfamiliar. What follows is a gripping, emotionally satisfying story that is both timely and timeless. I highly recommend this book for library and classroom collections. It is an important story well-told!

[Olivia carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

i really enjoyed reading this book. however i didn't really like the ending. i wish there was more closure to what happened with the dad and son. i really enjoyed all of the emotions that went on in this book- i had to set it down a few times just so i didn't throw it against the wall. i definitely would recommend this book to anyone who doesn't really read much- it was a very easy book to read and i was able to read it in about a week.

[Cassie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I picked up and sat down and read in one setting. I was so captivated by the mindset that Rebel’s dad was in, how Rebel wanted so badly to be seen by his father, and how through it all truth and friendship prevailed. This is a story that will need to be read and talked about all over.

[Jerry Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inside Battle by Melanie Sumrow was published in March of 2020 with an intended audience of middle schoolers/young adults. From my point of view, having read just this book months after January 6th, 2021- is that the current realistic audience is anyone who wants to explore the complexity of “othering” and think deeply about the possible impacts on family members of white supremacist as well as the potential motivations of those who get involved in groups of white supremacist.

Sumrow, in this work of fiction, brings the reader to know a 13 year old boy, Rebel Mercer, whose father has served in the military and is suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The father has joined a racist and an anti government militia. And Rebel is also grieving a major loss.

This story is told by Rebel. He is a student that is successful in the school’s robotics club. He is not real outgoing. He has a good school friend, Ajeet. He wants to understand his father. He is deeply trouble by his father’s hate of others. He wants to be in a normal relationship with his Dad. He wants to find his voice so he can talk about what is on his mind.

This story brings so many current issues to the surface, including: white supremacy, violent dissent, and targeting groups of “others” - while also exploring the possible personal impact felt by those close to those who have chosen an anti-government path. Additionally the realities young people face regarding per relationships, school expectations and loss are also explored.

Melanie Sumrow’s work has the potential to stimulate readers to think with and discuss their reactions and wonderments about Rebel’s experience and the general experience in America at this time (especially January 6, 2021) with peers, parents, teachers and/or others. I recommend this book.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had started with a higher rating, because I think this is fast paced and quite readable, features a main character who is relatable while still being criticized within the text, and covers an issue which is important and growing more so, while being underdiscussed in children's/YA literature: what if your parent/guardian/role model begins espousing disturbing views or conspiracy theories? How do you break away or maintain your sense of dignity and self while also remaining safe?

However, I found the character of Josiah to fall a bit too much into Wise Old Black Man tropiness (ft. MLK and Bible quoting) and I was troubled by the way the narrative didn't seem to sufficiently push back against the actual positions and "facts" being promoted by the militia group. The idea of immigrants/POC "stealing our jobs" was brought up multiple times without interrogating the idea that this was anyone's job in the first place, or placing accountability on companies and bosses who factor in the desperate willingness to work for lower wages. And I worry that the use of specific friendly people of color obscures the idea that absolutely no one deserves to be harassed or attacked based on their race, ethnicity, religion, etc. I don't think that there needed to be a dismantling of the welfare queen myth or a deep backgrounder on immigration policy within the text, but I think at least some backmatter discussing and debunking the points brought up within the book would have been helpful for young readers who might be hearing these opinions shared in their own homes, schools, or communities.

[Kristin Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sharing an ARC with Collabookation.
After the death of his mother, Rebel has been desperate for his father's approval. However, his father is growing increasingly erratic and unpredictable since his return from war. When Rebel notices his father following a hateful online group, the Flag Bearers, he wishes he would stop, but is ultimately powerless. When Rebel must choose between going with his father on a getaway, so his dad can get himself back together again, Rebel hopes this is the chance for the two of them to finally see eye to eye.
This book is so many things. It's a story about a complicated father-son relationship. It's a story about PTSD. It's a story about racist militias, conspiracy theories, and how they target people who suffer from PTSD. It's a story about standing up for what you know is right, even when it could mean losing the person you love the most.
This is a complex read, and Sumrow does a fantastic job of illustrating how our country tends not to honor or care for the mental vulnerability of our returning soldiers. As much as the reader may hate the ideology presented by the racist militia, they can see how the structure and positioning of a common enemy can be a tempting mindset for returning military members.
I would love to see this book used in classrooms with a critical lense geared toward how these white supremacist groups find, cull, and recruit members. Highly recommend for students in grade 7 and up.

[Karen McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by Rebel from the first chapter and could not put this book down. Rebel loves robotics competitions, but in Texas football is king and he fears he will never make his ex-Marine dad proud of him. From their first interaction, the reader discovers an unhealthy, awkward, heartbreaking relationship. Rebel wants nothing more than his dad's love and approval, but his dad is suffering from PTSD and has become involved with an anti-government, radical, racist militia group called the Flag Bearers. When a robotics competition goes horribly wrong, Rebel, fueled by anger and disappointment, spray paints hate speech against his supposed best friend and gets expelled from school. Making a bad situation worse, he agrees to go with his dad to live in the woods at the base camp of Flag Bearers hoping to fix his dad and their relationship. Instead he is trapped in an extremist military gang and can't seem to get his dad to see how wrong they are. Rebel's struggle to speak up and do what is right is a powerful example of how staying silent is the same as supporting hate. Because of violence, racism, guns, PTSD, depression, and other serious topics, the publisher recommends this book for 12 and up. I would recommend for 7th grade and up. This is a perfect bridge from middle grade to young adult for that hard to reach group of middle school students. #LitReviewCrew

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I ever gasped or vocalized my thoughts so loudly while reading a book...until I discovered Melanie Sumrow’s writing. Much like her debut, THE PROPHET CALLS, her latest release (out now), THE INSIDE BATTLE, is a brave, unapologetic story that tackles difficult topics for the upper middle grade reader with dignity and empathy. Explaining her inspiration in her author’s note, Sumrow story examines racism and the stigma of PTSD. Thirteen-year old Rebel Mercer wants to been seen by his veteran father who has been suffering mentally and unable to find a job since returning home from his fifth and final deployment. Rebel, who has anger issues, is expelled from school after an incredibly regrettable act and—with unease—accompanies his dad on a his journey to join a white supremacist militia. This story is as complex as it is compelling. Rebel struggles with finding acceptance from his dad through their conflicting views of race and government. Rebel must find his voice and speak up for what he knows is right, but at what cost? I absolutely could not turn pages fast enough! What an experience reading—I was emotionally charged throughout and eager to see its resolution. THE INSIDE BATTLE is a powerful, thought-provoking, and candid read that will stimulate uncomfortable, but necessary discussions about mental illness and racist agendas.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won The Inside Battle from an author giveaway on Twitter.

I had a hard time putting this one down! The story dealt with important and timely topics such as immigration, racism, white supremacy, militia groups, and veterans with PTSD in an appropriate way for upper middle grade readers.

Thirteen year old Rebel lives with his dad and aunt Birdie in Texas. Rebel is a thinker and tinkerer who loves robotics and is looking to make a connection with his dad who’s home after a long time away in the military. Rebel’s dad has begun to spend a lot of time online, communicating with an anti-government group called the Flag Bearers. Rebel doesn’t agree with his dad’s ideas, so he treads lightly around him, until one day Rebel lashes out against his friend Ajeet after Ajeet beats him in a robotics tournament. Suddenly, he’s questioning his own beliefs and those of his dad’s.

Because of the action he took against Ajeet, Rebel is expelled from school and his dad takes him on a camping trip to Oklahoma to clear his head. The camping trip turns into a meet up with the Flag Bearers group, and his dad becomes engulfed in planning dangerous activities.

Rebel will need to find the courage to use his voice to speak up for what he knows is right. This gripping story has themes of family, finding your voice, and bravery. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Powerful for a middle grade book because of where it's willing to go: inside a radical, militant, white nationalist militia camp. Thirteen-year-old Rebel has no interest in being there, but his ex-military radicalized father gives him no choice. They both hope to help his unstable--perhaps dangerously so--dad work through his PTSD, in entirely different ways: his dad through a sense of purpose and belonging, Rebel through time together in nature. But timid, anxious Rebel knows it's a mistake and must figure out how to move from the paralyzing fear of his dad's anger and his environment of dangerous people with guns to an ability to speak up and take some kind of action. It's an intense situation.

Rebel finds unexpected support and challenge in the woods nearby from a neighbor who, unfortunately, functions as a stereotypical magical negro role, and from a surprise twist that serves as a plot device more than natural character development. I was taken by the story and would have rated it higher had it not been for these two elements; nevertheless, it's a tense and contemplative book that struggles with some deep and difficult issues.

[Misty Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inside Battle is a gripping story about the desire for acceptance and the search for truth. How far should one person go to gain that acceptance? This is the internal struggle Rebel faces as he traverses the path of right and wrong. His love for his father and his desire to make him proud directly conflict with his internal sense of what is right and just.
Melanie Sumrow weaves an intricate tale that propels the reader along the treacherous path of self-discovery as we walk with Rebel in his search for the truth. Is the truth what his father and the anti-government militia spouts? Is the truth what his new friends are living? What is the truth and is it worth the risk to speak out – even if it might mean losing the approval of the one who you most want it from? These are the questions that Rebel seeks to navigate and Melanie craftily moves the story forward with such skill that the reader is completely engulfed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wondered how far you would go for the love and acceptance of another. Skillfully written, this book will keep you guessing till the dramatic, emotional end. Definitely a book you will be glad you read.

[Dan Allbery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melanie Sumrow's The Prophet Calls was my favorite book of 2019. With The Inside Battle, Sumrow crafted another story focusing on a fringe group, white nationalists. I tip my hat to Sumrow for tackling such gritty subject matter, but often one bold craft move was immediately diluted in the next chapter. This book does/will spark conversations about veterans, PTSD, rising anti-government sentiment, and the power of speaking up. *Be sure to read her author's note.*

I have been waffling back and forth whether this book would be fitting for GR 8 students and I cannot make a decision. The rawness of the content, often disturbing because of it's realness, may need to be unpacked with MS readers. At times I even was shook thinking "Some people really do think this way." Confidently for GR 9 and up (possibly GR 8).

[Trina M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebel stole my heart in this fantastic tale of his inner struggle about real life issues. This story not only was an enjoyable given the subject but so enlightening for all people! As I read TIB I felt for Rebel and is journey. People of color definitely should read to understand how hate is taught and not innate. I was proud of how this character was able to navigate real world problems at such a young age. Sumrow has done her due diligence in helping show what some go through given the people they are tied to and necessarily in agreement with. I encourage parents and teachers to read this book with their children and discuss how timely this title is. Thank you Melanie Sumrow for this truth!

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an extremely powerful book, but a difficult one for me to read. As a highly sensitive reader, a strong emotional reaction to a book makes it hard for me to objectively review a book, but it's important to share some insights about this book with you. First, it led to a fantastic discussion around our dinner table as the anxiety I experienced while reading it sparked a great conversation about how our dislike for the behavior of characters affects our reading of a book. It's not often that I'm mentally affected by a middle grade book, but the author's sharp, thought-provoking, and fast-paced writing also had me cheering for Rebel as I got caught up in the story. I wish there wasn't a need for stories like this to shed light on such disturbing behavior, but I'm glad there are authors like Melanie who choose to address it in an engaging way that's appropriate for an upper MG audience.

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well written book is also a frightening read, not based so much on scary events in the book but rather because the events in the book have happened. This is a purely fictional piece of work, but there are news stories of mass shootings in places of worship; news stories of militia groups that are active in our country; news stories of service veterans who do not receive proper care of PTSD. If I still taught middle school history, I would use this book in my curriculum. I will be recommending this book to 5th graders and older because the subject is quite intense.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inside Battle is a powerful novel about families, and relationships, the military, PTSD, and racism. The resonating theme for me is that we have to give young people a voice. Like Rebel and Calliope and Ajeet, our youth need to be empowered to make a difference by standing up for what is right. As Josiah said, “The voices of children matter, especially since they are often the only carriers of truth.” This is a meaningful novel for middle school, high school, and beyond.

[Laurie]

A brave, thought-provoking, compelling novel that tackles PTSD and racism head-on in a way that feels just right for upper middle grade readers. This is a unique and engaging page turner that will give middle schoolers a whole lot to think and talk about.

[David S · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a compelling story of a young boy having to confront a lot of things about himself, growing up and deciding who he is, most importantly having to decide if he should do the right thing, even if it could be dangerous and hurt someone he loves.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely relevant and prescient book, in light of what transpired at the Capitol on January 6th. I can’t think of any other narrative fiction for this age that covers the militia movement, white nationalism, and how easily people can fall for conspiracy theories.

[Jeni Haskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this throughout the week, I kept reflecting on how eerily similar the plot is to the actual events at our Capitol from earlier this month! Although Rebel is only 13, I know a lot of my high school students will be interested in reading it.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Book!