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Kneel
This fearless debut novel explores racism, injustice, and self-expression through the story of a promising Black football star in Louisiana.
The system is rigged.
For guys like Russell Boudreaux, football is the only way out of their small town. As the team’s varsity tight end, Rus has a singular to get a scholarship and play on the national stage. But when his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Rus faces an impossible speak up or live in fear.
“Please rise for the national anthem.”
Desperate for change, Rus kneels during the national anthem. In one instant, he falls from local stardom and becomes a target for hatred. But he’s not alone. With the help of his best friend and an unlikely ally, Rus will fight for his dreams, and for justice.
The system is rigged.
For guys like Russell Boudreaux, football is the only way out of their small town. As the team’s varsity tight end, Rus has a singular to get a scholarship and play on the national stage. But when his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Rus faces an impossible speak up or live in fear.
“Please rise for the national anthem.”
Desperate for change, Rus kneels during the national anthem. In one instant, he falls from local stardom and becomes a target for hatred. But he’s not alone. With the help of his best friend and an unlikely ally, Rus will fight for his dreams, and for justice.
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2021
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3559 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
February 5, 2022
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher (Inkyard Press) for promotional purposes.
I give this book 4.5 stars.
I want to preface this review by stating that I’ve been a huge Colin Kaepernick since the beginning (the 49ers are my team) and I have always supported his peaceful protest of kneeling during the national anthem. I was very excited to read this book inspired by Kaepernick’s protest. I was not disappointed!
The storyline felt very real. It depicted the racism and injustice black people face every day in a very nuanced way. It did a fantastic job highlighting the internal struggle of deciding whether or not to speak out. Taking a stand, or in this case, kneeling, has both positive and negative consequences, and this book dove right into the complexity of it all. It really made you think.
The characters were also well done. They felt multi-dimensional and helped move the story along. For example, Russell’s parents showcased the dichotomy between wanting what’s best for your kid and letting your kid choose what they want to do. Russell’s dad in particular, was not happy about Russell’s kneeling because he knew it would mess up Russell’s chances of getting a football scholarship. On the other hand, Russell wanted to follow his heart and stick up for his friend. This felt so realistic because it’s understandable that a parent would want their kid to stay silent in order to have a better future.
My only critique of the book is that I would have liked the end to have been developed a bit more. A lot happened in the last 50 pages and I wanted to see it debriefed more.
Overall, this is an important and timely read. It shows exactly why Black Lives Matter and why the movement is calling for change. I highly recommend this book!
I give this book 4.5 stars.
I want to preface this review by stating that I’ve been a huge Colin Kaepernick since the beginning (the 49ers are my team) and I have always supported his peaceful protest of kneeling during the national anthem. I was very excited to read this book inspired by Kaepernick’s protest. I was not disappointed!
The storyline felt very real. It depicted the racism and injustice black people face every day in a very nuanced way. It did a fantastic job highlighting the internal struggle of deciding whether or not to speak out. Taking a stand, or in this case, kneeling, has both positive and negative consequences, and this book dove right into the complexity of it all. It really made you think.
The characters were also well done. They felt multi-dimensional and helped move the story along. For example, Russell’s parents showcased the dichotomy between wanting what’s best for your kid and letting your kid choose what they want to do. Russell’s dad in particular, was not happy about Russell’s kneeling because he knew it would mess up Russell’s chances of getting a football scholarship. On the other hand, Russell wanted to follow his heart and stick up for his friend. This felt so realistic because it’s understandable that a parent would want their kid to stay silent in order to have a better future.
My only critique of the book is that I would have liked the end to have been developed a bit more. A lot happened in the last 50 pages and I wanted to see it debriefed more.
Overall, this is an important and timely read. It shows exactly why Black Lives Matter and why the movement is calling for change. I highly recommend this book!
April 16, 2021
Colin Kaepernick inspired so many when he took a knee, but he also angered so many others and his career was taken from him despite his talent. When Rus be ones an activist instead of just a football player he faces much of the same scrutiny and lack of support, the idea of shut up and play was alive and well in his small town. The same small town that was plagued by racism and the death of a young black man by an overzealous white cop. As the violence and injustices become more and more pronounced Rus can no longer keep his mouth shut, but will he lose it all? A timely and thoughtful book about being an ally, using your voice and raising hell when what is happening in the world is wrong. As an English teacher I loved the use of literature to remind us that these stories and injustices are nothing new! A great read I can’t wait to include in my classroom.
August 11, 2021
When I picked up this book, I thought I knew where it was headed. Nope, I was wrong. This book was a powerful surprise of a story with unique perspective and voice. It had my heart racing with all kinds of emotions. Great story!
July 12, 2021
Russell Boudreaux and his friend Marion have been playing football together since they were little, both hoping for a Division 1 scholarship to get them out of their small, rural, racist town. A few months prior to the opening of the story a young, unarmed Black man was killed by a White cop who has yet to be indicted, suspended, or even placed on administrative leave. Also, during the final game of the previous football season, their team lost in a close match to their rivals just across the river, a well-funded all-White school.
When Marion is unfairly accused and suspended from the team, Russell is too fed up to take it anymore and he takes a knee during the national anthem at the next game. What follows is a maelstrom of racist hate from all over the place and disappointment, frustration, blame, and anger from his own family and teammates. It's up to Russell to decide how he's going to react. Will he put his dreams on hold to stand up for what he knows is right? Or, will he push down those feelings and swallow the hate and racism knowing that football is his ticket out of town?
Honestly, this book made me so angry that I had a hard time reading it. The injustice and racism and lack of consequences for the White people was so much that I just couldn't fathom it. I do understand that I have the privilege of putting the book down for a little while and regrouping, while BIPOC have to live in it every day with no breaks to regroup. One character in the book uses the phrase "Silence is Violence" and I refuse to be silent! But, this isn't the forum to fix racism, this is a forum to review the book. So, I will tell you that this book is powerfully written and grabs the reader and makes them feel it. I spent 2 years living in Monroe, Louisiana (where this book seems to take place, although the town across the river is West Monroe, not Westmond as it is in the book) and I saw some serious poverty and racism while living there. Thus, the events in the book came off as believable and realistic.
I appreciated that the problems were not all tied up with a little bow and solved at the end. I appreciated that every character had a different response to the racism in the book - that rang true to me. While a few of the things did seem to be solved a little too quickly , overall this book was character-driven and credible and I definitely recommend it to every reader and non-reader alike. As infuriating as it was for me to read, it's a book that all Americans should read.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
When Marion is unfairly accused and suspended from the team, Russell is too fed up to take it anymore and he takes a knee during the national anthem at the next game. What follows is a maelstrom of racist hate from all over the place and disappointment, frustration, blame, and anger from his own family and teammates. It's up to Russell to decide how he's going to react. Will he put his dreams on hold to stand up for what he knows is right? Or, will he push down those feelings and swallow the hate and racism knowing that football is his ticket out of town?
Honestly, this book made me so angry that I had a hard time reading it. The injustice and racism and lack of consequences for the White people was so much that I just couldn't fathom it. I do understand that I have the privilege of putting the book down for a little while and regrouping, while BIPOC have to live in it every day with no breaks to regroup. One character in the book uses the phrase "Silence is Violence" and I refuse to be silent! But, this isn't the forum to fix racism, this is a forum to review the book. So, I will tell you that this book is powerfully written and grabs the reader and makes them feel it. I spent 2 years living in Monroe, Louisiana (where this book seems to take place, although the town across the river is West Monroe, not Westmond as it is in the book) and I saw some serious poverty and racism while living there. Thus, the events in the book came off as believable and realistic.
I appreciated that the problems were not all tied up with a little bow and solved at the end. I appreciated that every character had a different response to the racism in the book - that rang true to me. While a few of the things did seem to be solved a little too quickly , overall this book was character-driven and credible and I definitely recommend it to every reader and non-reader alike. As infuriating as it was for me to read, it's a book that all Americans should read.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2022
Powerful.
August 1, 2021
It read uninspired and I wasn't as engaged as I wanted to be with a topic such as this. There are several books in this vein that are coming out or already have including Why We Fly, that I can think of off the top of my head.
Being male-centered and Black-focused on the sport of football is absolutely following the 'historical' elements of Kaepernick's knee which coupled with this cover will allow it to fly off the shelves without much prodding for me. And it has all of the elements to make it a success from family, friends, and a romantic interest to sports and high school drama. It's all there. But as I mentioned at the beginning, for me, read flat. It is necessary and it is there, but it's not a favorite though the underlying messages will ring true for many including those teens wishing to be activists however outspoken, in writing, or through actions.
Being male-centered and Black-focused on the sport of football is absolutely following the 'historical' elements of Kaepernick's knee which coupled with this cover will allow it to fly off the shelves without much prodding for me. And it has all of the elements to make it a success from family, friends, and a romantic interest to sports and high school drama. It's all there. But as I mentioned at the beginning, for me, read flat. It is necessary and it is there, but it's not a favorite though the underlying messages will ring true for many including those teens wishing to be activists however outspoken, in writing, or through actions.
August 18, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc of this deeply moving book by Candace Buford. It reminded me of Nic Stone's, Martin and Justyce books, young black men getting arrested for no reason. It was heartbreaking and very emotional to read of the police brutality towards the innocent young black men. The things I really enjoyed about this book were the details that were put in to developing the characters and the setting. I could feel the painful emotions that the young black men were experiencing throughout the book. Each page drew me in wanting to see justice for Marion and the black community of Monroe. I was hooked and Buford does a great job with this book.
Want to read
March 4, 2021Very very powerful title and book cover!
September 14, 2021
Russell has the star factor. He’s a fearless football player with his eyes set on a Division 1 football scholarship. However, his hometown Monroe, La has a problem. A racial problem. Two football teams that are literally divided by one street. Russell finds himself in a crossroad and he is fed up with the racial issues in his town. His good friend is wrongfully charged and jailed after a incident on the football field.
The author did such a great job with this storyline; it was realistic and raw. I didn’t think I would be able to finish because it literally depicts what is currently happening in the world now. But I continued to read and I finished so quickly. This book was a page turner, I needed to read this. The bravery and self determination of the characters was so admirable. The new generation of, “woke” was so evident and carefully described in this book. It literally brought me to tears to see how this football team came together and demanded change. The main character Russell was a hero, he had so much going for himself and he went with his gut instinct and stood firmly on his beliefs. This is a young adult book, but it can be read by any person of age.
This book contains: racism, bullying, protests, child neglect, unlawful behavior, etc.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The author did such a great job with this storyline; it was realistic and raw. I didn’t think I would be able to finish because it literally depicts what is currently happening in the world now. But I continued to read and I finished so quickly. This book was a page turner, I needed to read this. The bravery and self determination of the characters was so admirable. The new generation of, “woke” was so evident and carefully described in this book. It literally brought me to tears to see how this football team came together and demanded change. The main character Russell was a hero, he had so much going for himself and he went with his gut instinct and stood firmly on his beliefs. This is a young adult book, but it can be read by any person of age.
This book contains: racism, bullying, protests, child neglect, unlawful behavior, etc.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2021
punchy, timely, powerful and self aware, this superbly written debut is a true 2021 standout. I’m incredibly excited to see what buford writes next.
TW: racism, racial profiling, police brutality, hate crime
TW: racism, racial profiling, police brutality, hate crime
January 17, 2022
Kneel is a book that took me out of my comfort zone. But, I also choose to read books that do that, so I can learn and grow in my understanding of the world around me. Social justice, black lives matter, football culture, small town divisions, poverty, loyalty, and deep friendship; this book addresses many issues. I appreciated how the author wrestled with issues and how the characters wrestled with choices and consequences. Life is so complicated, and unfair, and too often we see things only from our viewpoint. This was a well-written and powerful debut novel.
December 27, 2022
I listened to this one as it is a possible nominee for the 23-24 school year Gateway Award. And I have to say wow. It was so good. It made me so angry, which I know is the point of it. So many good things were brought up, things that I think all of my students could stand to read. I also like the way the ending was a good one, but not everything wrapped up in a neat little perfect bow. Some sacrifices were made, which made it a really realistic story in my opinion. I definitely think this one should make the list for next year.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
August 25, 2021
This is a book that I think will resonate with a lot of teens. I'm not the biggest sports fan but it's good for me to be reminded how important football is to the lives of some teens, and especially the way sports scholarships can be a path to college for poor kids who might not otherwise have one. I appreciated that Russell explicitly names Colin Kaepernick as an inspiration and the text here directly engages with Kaepernick's protest and the consequences thereof in a way that again, I think a lot of teens, especially teen athletes, will enjoy reading. The book gives a good sense of how unjust white supremacy is and how the odds are stacked against young Black men (and like, all Black people) in the US while still ending on a hopeful note.
September 26, 2021
Thank you, Net Galley, for the ARC of Kneel
There are a lot of Black Lives Matter books for young readers (thank God), but this takes the approach from young protesters; should they protest? or is it too dangerous?
When your skin is dark in Louisiana, you know the chips are stacked against you. Russel and Marion do all they can to lay low until graduation. But when Marion is unfairly accused of a crime he didn't commit, Russel has to bring light to the situation. And just like Colin Kaepernick, he kneeled during the anthem which words did not apply to every American.
Candace Buford did an excellent job bringing the topic to understanding at a middle grade to YA level and still lets it be important enough for adults to read.
Recommended for grades 8 and up
There are a lot of Black Lives Matter books for young readers (thank God), but this takes the approach from young protesters; should they protest? or is it too dangerous?
When your skin is dark in Louisiana, you know the chips are stacked against you. Russel and Marion do all they can to lay low until graduation. But when Marion is unfairly accused of a crime he didn't commit, Russel has to bring light to the situation. And just like Colin Kaepernick, he kneeled during the anthem which words did not apply to every American.
Candace Buford did an excellent job bringing the topic to understanding at a middle grade to YA level and still lets it be important enough for adults to read.
Recommended for grades 8 and up
March 19, 2022
I was very reluctant to read a book about football, but I was pleasantly surprised by the solid development of the main characters and their relationships with one another. It was refreshing to read a YA novel in which the central romance was cute, clean, pretty realistic, and based on deeply shared values rather than superficial judgments or desires.
I was pleased to see the realism of the students’ English class, complete with group projects and the teacher’s curriculum being challenged, and even a couple of snapshots of poetry lessons. I happened to be teaching Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” this week so it touched me to hear Ms. Jabar (not sure about spelling as I listened to the audiobook) discuss it thoughtfully. I also appreciated how the book challenged some less commonly considered stereotypes like “football players aren’t studious”—even though Rus was mostly putting forth effort to impress Gabby at first, he was clearly also talented and hard working.
As for the central message about speaking up against racism, it was mostly positive, if a little simplistic in its “us versus them” mentality, though there were some subtler implications that some white people in the community supported their cause, and some complexity in showing the varying opinions of different characters (fellow football players, Russell’s parents, Gabby, Kareem’s uncle Gary, etc) who had different backgrounds and motivations.
I liked how Rus’ character developed throughout the novel as he wrestled internally with what was the right course of action, for himself as well as for the people around him.
The ending did feel rushed and filled with just one too many deus ex machina moments, making it less believable, though I appreciate a happier ending in a sea of tragedies.
I was pleased to see the realism of the students’ English class, complete with group projects and the teacher’s curriculum being challenged, and even a couple of snapshots of poetry lessons. I happened to be teaching Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” this week so it touched me to hear Ms. Jabar (not sure about spelling as I listened to the audiobook) discuss it thoughtfully. I also appreciated how the book challenged some less commonly considered stereotypes like “football players aren’t studious”—even though Rus was mostly putting forth effort to impress Gabby at first, he was clearly also talented and hard working.
As for the central message about speaking up against racism, it was mostly positive, if a little simplistic in its “us versus them” mentality, though there were some subtler implications that some white people in the community supported their cause, and some complexity in showing the varying opinions of different characters (fellow football players, Russell’s parents, Gabby, Kareem’s uncle Gary, etc) who had different backgrounds and motivations.
I liked how Rus’ character developed throughout the novel as he wrestled internally with what was the right course of action, for himself as well as for the people around him.
The ending did feel rushed and filled with just one too many deus ex machina moments, making it less believable, though I appreciate a happier ending in a sea of tragedies.
July 11, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very moving book, I could not put it down. The cover might make you believe this book is all about football. While there is a football team in the story, it is not the main focus of the story.
Monroe and Westmond Louisiana are divided by a freeway, economics and color.
A black teen, Dante Maynard, was killed by a police officer in Shreveport. The teen had not broken any law, he did not have a weapon. Officer Reynaud, who was not charged, now works in Westmond.
Russell Boudreaux knows the only way out of Monroe is with a Division 1 football scholarship.
Rus and Marion are best friends and co-captains of their high school football team.
During the coin toss before the game one of the Westmond team captains uses the n-word. Rus brings it to the referee's attention that that’s an automatic game suspension according to league rules. The referee gives the Westmond player a warning instead of suspending him. Marion comments that they will handle it on the field. The other Westmond player then starts a fight by shoving them down. Officer Reynaud arrests Marion and the football game is postponed. Marion is then removed from the team by the league.
Overwhelmed by the racial injustice he has witnessed, Rus kneels during the national anthem at a game. This one act of protest almost gets him kicked off the team.
Russell now has to decide: does he listen to his dad and his coach, keep his head down and just play football so he can get his scholarship OR does he join Gabby, the girl he likes, and speak up against the racial injustice that keeps his town living in fear.
This is a very moving book, I could not put it down. The cover might make you believe this book is all about football. While there is a football team in the story, it is not the main focus of the story.
Monroe and Westmond Louisiana are divided by a freeway, economics and color.
A black teen, Dante Maynard, was killed by a police officer in Shreveport. The teen had not broken any law, he did not have a weapon. Officer Reynaud, who was not charged, now works in Westmond.
Russell Boudreaux knows the only way out of Monroe is with a Division 1 football scholarship.
Rus and Marion are best friends and co-captains of their high school football team.
During the coin toss before the game one of the Westmond team captains uses the n-word. Rus brings it to the referee's attention that that’s an automatic game suspension according to league rules. The referee gives the Westmond player a warning instead of suspending him. Marion comments that they will handle it on the field. The other Westmond player then starts a fight by shoving them down. Officer Reynaud arrests Marion and the football game is postponed. Marion is then removed from the team by the league.
Overwhelmed by the racial injustice he has witnessed, Rus kneels during the national anthem at a game. This one act of protest almost gets him kicked off the team.
Russell now has to decide: does he listen to his dad and his coach, keep his head down and just play football so he can get his scholarship OR does he join Gabby, the girl he likes, and speak up against the racial injustice that keeps his town living in fear.
January 5, 2022
Put this book beside The Hate U Give, Dear Martin, and This Is My America 👏🏻
April 27, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Inkyard Press - OwnVoices in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I heard about this book from a member of our teen book club and that it's more powerful than The Hate You Give and that was a book I could not put down and tugged on my heart strings especially this time of year. I can remember exactly when ESPN broke out the story of Collin Kaepernick kneeling for the National Anthem in attempt to raise awareness for racial injustice and police brutality. Not only was this viral but, it costed Kaepernick his job as the starting QB for the San Francisco 49ers. To boys like Russ, I can see the passion he has for the sport and the struggle he is going through dealing with the pain he suffers each day and having people see you as a target rather than a hero but in the end, all you want is to live your dreams and be at peace with others and with yourself. The book hit me hard at many levels and the struggle is definitely real.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I heard about this book from a member of our teen book club and that it's more powerful than The Hate You Give and that was a book I could not put down and tugged on my heart strings especially this time of year. I can remember exactly when ESPN broke out the story of Collin Kaepernick kneeling for the National Anthem in attempt to raise awareness for racial injustice and police brutality. Not only was this viral but, it costed Kaepernick his job as the starting QB for the San Francisco 49ers. To boys like Russ, I can see the passion he has for the sport and the struggle he is going through dealing with the pain he suffers each day and having people see you as a target rather than a hero but in the end, all you want is to live your dreams and be at peace with others and with yourself. The book hit me hard at many levels and the struggle is definitely real.
We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
February 18, 2021
I read an early version of this book and I am so excited to see it on the shelves!!! I love these characters and how they take a stand against injustice in their small town and everywhere. For fans of Friday Night Lights and The Hate U Give.
December 19, 2021
"I didn't understand why Coach was so oblivious to the enduring trauma of police brutality - he was a Black man. Maybe he was so broken down by the system that he'd lost the will to fight for what was right. ... If this was justice, then maybe I didn't understand the meaning of 'liberty and justice for all.'"
This book randomly showed up on my doorstep this summer and while the synopsis of the book sounded great, I was a little hesitant to read another book about kneeling after I had just finished Why We Fly and that book left me anything but satisfied. I didn't need to worry though, because this book was much better than I was expecting. I think it helped to have only one character telling the story and the fact that the characters in this story were far more likable. Russell is a character that tells it like it is and he's so easy to relate to. I immediately felt connected with Russell and I wanted to know what his story was. There was so much story leading up to the actual kneeling event which helped me develop a deep interest in the characters.
Russell is one of the best football players on his high school team. Between him and his friend Marion, the quarterback, they are a duo ready to make waves on the football field. When Marion gets charged with all sorts of charges after a fight breaks out between two teams, Rus is left dealing with the fallout of Marion's absence. Angry at a system that continually kills Black men for carrying bags of Skittles or M&M's, Rus decides to take action. He kneels during the national anthem. He finds himself facing consequences far beyond what he expected from his family, friends, football team, and larger community. Rus' family isn't exactly thrilled at what Rus decided to do and Rus feels like maybe he made a wrong choice.
Where this book went right (compared to Why We Fly) is it focused on the aftermath of the kneeling. We see the reaction of people both close to Rus and people who don't know who he is. We see what effect that one action has on community activism and how Rus gets involved with social justice beyond taking a knee one night during the national anthem. I really appreciated how this book tackled a variety of activism methods including posters, demonstrations, and peaceful protests. I had a sick feeling in my stomach every time the police showed up, and for good reason. For Rus to not only get involved with social justice but to also get his teammates thinking about things beyond football was the kind of reaction I wanted. This book was very well done and will lead to some incredible conversations with young readers. I did think the ending was a bit rushed, especially with the epilogue, but I can understand why the book ended the way it did.
I would definitely recommend this book for readers who want to read a book that facilitates good quality discussion.
TW: violence, police brutality, unfair criminalization of a Black teenager, racism
**Thank you to Inkyard Press for the advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
This book randomly showed up on my doorstep this summer and while the synopsis of the book sounded great, I was a little hesitant to read another book about kneeling after I had just finished Why We Fly and that book left me anything but satisfied. I didn't need to worry though, because this book was much better than I was expecting. I think it helped to have only one character telling the story and the fact that the characters in this story were far more likable. Russell is a character that tells it like it is and he's so easy to relate to. I immediately felt connected with Russell and I wanted to know what his story was. There was so much story leading up to the actual kneeling event which helped me develop a deep interest in the characters.
Russell is one of the best football players on his high school team. Between him and his friend Marion, the quarterback, they are a duo ready to make waves on the football field. When Marion gets charged with all sorts of charges after a fight breaks out between two teams, Rus is left dealing with the fallout of Marion's absence. Angry at a system that continually kills Black men for carrying bags of Skittles or M&M's, Rus decides to take action. He kneels during the national anthem. He finds himself facing consequences far beyond what he expected from his family, friends, football team, and larger community. Rus' family isn't exactly thrilled at what Rus decided to do and Rus feels like maybe he made a wrong choice.
Where this book went right (compared to Why We Fly) is it focused on the aftermath of the kneeling. We see the reaction of people both close to Rus and people who don't know who he is. We see what effect that one action has on community activism and how Rus gets involved with social justice beyond taking a knee one night during the national anthem. I really appreciated how this book tackled a variety of activism methods including posters, demonstrations, and peaceful protests. I had a sick feeling in my stomach every time the police showed up, and for good reason. For Rus to not only get involved with social justice but to also get his teammates thinking about things beyond football was the kind of reaction I wanted. This book was very well done and will lead to some incredible conversations with young readers. I did think the ending was a bit rushed, especially with the epilogue, but I can understand why the book ended the way it did.
I would definitely recommend this book for readers who want to read a book that facilitates good quality discussion.
TW: violence, police brutality, unfair criminalization of a Black teenager, racism
**Thank you to Inkyard Press for the advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinion.
November 1, 2021
One of the things I love about books that tackle social justice issues is when they spit out so much truth that it makes me uncomfortable. Reading this book was like having a bucket of cold ice poured over my head because it's so easy to fall into complacency and books like this one really help to wake us up.
What I especially loved about this book was how it took something so pivotal to North American society (football) and brought the very real question of: What happens when civil rights challenge the status quo of a sport that is almost like a cult? I mean absolutely no offence to people who love football, but imagine thinking that it's more important to play a game than to challenge a crowd spewing racist slurs and actively calling for a teenaged player to be locked up because of their racist stereotypes.
Yeah, this book explores that and I found that it asked me to consider that very thing I mentioned above. The MC struggles with the internalized idea that if you're quiet enough, follow the "rules", and don't dare mention the inequalities explored in this book then you might get the chance to get out of that town. Imagine being a child and not having a single prominent adult in your life back you up when you've had enough.
This book was powerful and I've honestly never considered seeing the issue from this perspective before and I'm grateful that I now have. This is an important book and I think it's a must-read!
Happy reading!
What I especially loved about this book was how it took something so pivotal to North American society (football) and brought the very real question of: What happens when civil rights challenge the status quo of a sport that is almost like a cult? I mean absolutely no offence to people who love football, but imagine thinking that it's more important to play a game than to challenge a crowd spewing racist slurs and actively calling for a teenaged player to be locked up because of their racist stereotypes.
Yeah, this book explores that and I found that it asked me to consider that very thing I mentioned above. The MC struggles with the internalized idea that if you're quiet enough, follow the "rules", and don't dare mention the inequalities explored in this book then you might get the chance to get out of that town. Imagine being a child and not having a single prominent adult in your life back you up when you've had enough.
This book was powerful and I've honestly never considered seeing the issue from this perspective before and I'm grateful that I now have. This is an important book and I think it's a must-read!
Happy reading!
September 10, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.
There’s a quote about books being mirrors; windows, or sliding glass doors. This book was a sliding glass door. Russ lives in a small town in Louisiana where he is a senior on his school’s football team. He is looking to get a scholarship away from his hometown when his best friend and team’s quarterback is arrested for no reason, changing both their life trajectories. I’ve read Nic Stone and Angie Thomas, but Kneel was different. Russ’s experience in a rural setting is one I’ve never read before, and there’s an added layer of frustration to the isolation these characters experience within their small town.
These characters were very well developed and the writing for the overall story was so profound. I have so many passages I want to quote. I am not at all a sportsball person, so parts of this book went over my head, but I was still able to grasp the story. The fact that I finished reading the book and immediately want to take action is telling. This book is absolutely moving.
There’s a quote about books being mirrors; windows, or sliding glass doors. This book was a sliding glass door. Russ lives in a small town in Louisiana where he is a senior on his school’s football team. He is looking to get a scholarship away from his hometown when his best friend and team’s quarterback is arrested for no reason, changing both their life trajectories. I’ve read Nic Stone and Angie Thomas, but Kneel was different. Russ’s experience in a rural setting is one I’ve never read before, and there’s an added layer of frustration to the isolation these characters experience within their small town.
These characters were very well developed and the writing for the overall story was so profound. I have so many passages I want to quote. I am not at all a sportsball person, so parts of this book went over my head, but I was still able to grasp the story. The fact that I finished reading the book and immediately want to take action is telling. This book is absolutely moving.
December 25, 2021
Protest
Rus is a Black football player living in a town where racism is the norm, including the white cop who killed a Black young man and is still walking free. The white kids vandalize cars, threaten using racist slurs, and instigate fights. Then, when the ultimate happens at a football game and Rus's friend Marion is wrongly arrested, The has to decide what kind of man he will be. Will he tow the party line, keep his mouth shut, and get a football scholarship, or speak his truth and lose ever he has worked so hard for? Buford develops characters who wrestle with real-world problems, in a society that is reluctant to change. Rus's dad has his own story, which makes it difficult for him to stand in Rus's shoes and the football team is angry about Rus's stand. The needs to decide which path to take.
Rus is a Black football player living in a town where racism is the norm, including the white cop who killed a Black young man and is still walking free. The white kids vandalize cars, threaten using racist slurs, and instigate fights. Then, when the ultimate happens at a football game and Rus's friend Marion is wrongly arrested, The has to decide what kind of man he will be. Will he tow the party line, keep his mouth shut, and get a football scholarship, or speak his truth and lose ever he has worked so hard for? Buford develops characters who wrestle with real-world problems, in a society that is reluctant to change. Rus's dad has his own story, which makes it difficult for him to stand in Rus's shoes and the football team is angry about Rus's stand. The needs to decide which path to take.
December 11, 2021
After Rus's friend & teammate is unfairly arrested by a racist cop (despite plenty of witnesses), Rus takes a knee during the anthem of his high school football game. But instead of the support he was hoping for, his teammates, his coach, and even his parents tell him he should have kept his head down and just played the game. Because there's too much on the line, because football is his only path to college. The story is about how the systems in place are designed to silence Black voices, how you will be punished for speaking up. Powerful and thought provoking, it's definitely worth your time!
September 15, 2021
What a great story of courage in the face of injustice! I loved this piece of YA fiction that is so relevant to current events. This would be a a great book to start a dialogue about race, police brutality, Black Lives Matter and so much more with both teens and adults. The characters are so relatable - I even shed a tear (or maybe more) by the end as I was rooting for justice to win. I highly recommend this one!
Thanks to Inkyard Press and TLC Book Tours for a gifted ARC and the opportunity to be a part of the tour for this great book!
Thanks to Inkyard Press and TLC Book Tours for a gifted ARC and the opportunity to be a part of the tour for this great book!
February 2, 2024
there were so many things in the this book that were mentioned then brought up like 200 pages later, or were never mentioned at all and random things just came out of the blue. overall the writing of the book and story was very disjointed. the characters were also just very cliché and didn't really have any personality
October 5, 2024
Earth shattering and necessary. Everyone should read this book. This is the perspective we all need to see from. This is what is happening in America. If you think racism is no longer, you are lying to yourself. This may be a work of fiction, but it is all too real.
-1 star for the occasional disjointedness of the writing and the typos.
-1 star for the occasional disjointedness of the writing and the typos.
Want to read
September 14, 2021So many people were on opposites sides of what they thought about Colin Kaepernick bending the knee during the National Anthem. I think it took courage especially among all the hate and the loss of his career. I’m very interested in reading a book that was inspired by his brave act.
October 2, 2021
This book is a mash-up between DEAR MARTIN and GOLDEN ARM (but with football instead of baseball). It's also a fantastic read -- timely, well-written, and not super long. I was worried that the ending would either be too neat or too bleak, but the author expertly brings us to a satisfying yet realistic conclusion. This is a must-buy for all teen collections.
December 6, 2021
This fearless debut novel explores racism, injustice, and self-expression through the story of a promising Black football star in Louisiana.
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