Come Home Safe

by Brian G. Buckmire

A normal day. Until two siblings are accused of crimes they didn’t commit. Come Home Safe explores the pain, the truths, and the hopes that come with growing up as a person of color in America, as well as why “the talk” and discussions about social justice are so important in the community. This engaging YA novel from ABC News legal analyst Brian Buckmire is told in a way that can help foster conversations about what it means to navigate today’s world, as well as inspire ways to work toward change.

When Reed and Olivia left home, they never imagined they’d find themselves questioned, searched, and thrown to the ground by police looking for suspects in recent crimes. As their worst fears become reality, they must find a way to “prove” their innocence and make it home safe once again.

Come Home Safe is perfect for:


Fans of contemporary fiction and true-to-life stories
People interested in social justice and societal change
Parents and teachers looking to start a conversation and have “the talk” with their teens
Anyone looking to better understand America today
 

From ABC News legal analyst and NYC Legal Aid Society public defender Brian Buckmire, this compelling story draws from real-life advice, lessons, and conversations with attorneys, law enforcement, and the wrongfully accused to help turn the whispers and family discussions about racial inequality and mistreatment into wider conversations, healing, and one day … change.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Realistic Fiction, Social Justice, Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

Published February 7, 2023

About the author

Brian G. Buckmire is a felony trial attorney, currently with the firm Hamilton Clarke. He is also an ABC News contributor.

Previously, Buckmire hosted the Law&Crime network show "Law&Crime Daily." He was a homicide defense attorney in a New York City Public Defenders office.

Reviews

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's truly sad that we live in a world where a book like this is so important and needed! Siblings Olive and Reed get caught up in multiple situations involving accusations of crimes they didn't commit based on racial discrimination. Their lawyer father drilled into them how to behave when they're confronted by the police and the ways they need to act to 'come home safe'. Though fictional, this book is a great resource for any teens of color living in today's world where their very safety and well-being are in danger every day. Great on audio too and HIGHLY recommended!

[Maren’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the course of a normal day, siblings Reed and Olive are accused of crimes they did not commit and must find a way to prove their innocence while facing the very real possibility of endangerment at the hands of the police.

There are not enough words to properly express the importance of this book. Young adult fiction that’s written for teenagers and parents, it’s an eye opening look at what black men and women and teenagers face in their day to day lives. At the same time, it’s an actual guide to doing what the title explicitly states - get home safe. It teaches teenagers about their rights and how they may be violated, in order to fight for those rights in a safe (for themselves) way.

Throughout the book, both children reflect on what their father has instilled in them, “You have to stay safe so I can get you home safe Olive.” Through the use of both interactions discussed, the author literally breaks it down in a easy step by step manner, the ways in which things can go right or go very wrong.

At the end of the day, this is not a book about reform or changing this system - it’s about how to survive the system as it is until we are able to make a change as a society. It is a book about helping teenagers and young adults deal with very difficult situations, in the moment, in order to live another day. And it shines the light on the inequalities at play in mundane, every day life.

[adinazina on substack.♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a spoiler free review! ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

"One minute I was just hanging out, watching videos on the train…and the next I was handcuffed and thrown against the wall! Why me? What did I do wrong?"

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°

☆ Synopsis
Fourteen-year-old Reed and his twelve-year-old sister Olivia, are on their way home from school when they find themselves questioned, searched, and thrown to the ground by police looking for a suspect. They must battle with what it means to be Black in a society that demonises anyone who looks “different”, and find a way to prove their innocence and come home safe.

☆ My thoughts

I would’ve given this two stars for reading like a textbook at times, however the author’s note implied that was intentional so I bumped it up to three stars. The characters Reed and Olivia I found endearing and I would’ve liked the know more about them but they just were not fully developed in the story. The situations that occurred were horrible but sadly a reality for many people of colour and while I appreciate what this book is trying to do, it felt a little heavy handed. I’m not the target audience for this book so maybe it would be more impactful for younger readers but I can say from my own experience I would’ve found this book a bit boring even when I did fit the target audience. I feel this has the potential to be something really interesting and insightful but it’s just not explored enough to become something I’d recommend to others. Overall, a fairly decent read that tackles difficult subject matters, just let down a bit by how short the book was as it prevented it from really delving into the topic.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Melany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an eye opening yet truly sad story. This truly hurt my heart to read that people have to experience this and that the injustices due to race are happening. Such a moving story that truly reels you in. The author has such a beautiful way with words that throws you straight into the action, that feels like you're there living this story out with the characters. Heartbreaking, raw, eye opening and truly something everyone should read.

I received this book from NetGalley and Zonderkidz-Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Dad, I just want to know how to not become a hashtag.”

Books like this really sadden me, but with today’s social climate I understand. This was a quick read, but not an easy one.

[Jessica Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How do I not become another hashtag?”

The author Brian Buckmire brings up this question a few times in this short and powerful story and he wants people to know that he doesn’t know the answer, but he wants to show and tell what he learned instead.

I think anyone who reads this can 100% benefit from this book. This is a quick, but hard read and it made my blood boil the whole time. It was hard to read about what Reed and Olive went through, but I loved reading about the conversations they had with their parents. It’s sad, but necessary this day and age. This is a fictional book, but everything about it is nonfiction and I think the author did a great job portraying the story.

Thank you Blink for the ARC!!

[Payal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very important book, about two young Black children encountering racist police officers. Written by an author with a thorough grounding in the law, this is a textbook (no pun intended) example of what to do when faced with this extremely dangerous threat. As difficult as this was to read, it must have been even harder to write.

My only grouse is that the narrative style and voice didn’t feel authentic as a middle-grade novel.

(Review copy from NetGalley)

[cam :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea behind the book is great! Written by a real lawyer to try and give advice on how to proceed with cop interactions. It’s digestible for children also to incorporate in those tough conversations. Easy read and a good audio book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this. Amazing!

[Tip Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, this book, this book....I think everyone should read it.
This book tells a story of two children who face racial profiling and dealing with the police by being falsely accused of something they had nothing to do with. The wrong place, at the wrong time is such a thing. These children were used what they knew to get through the challenges they faced.

In today's world it's sad to say we still encounter this. How do we respond to our children when they face racial injustices? All we know is that we want our children to COME HOME SAFE!!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This happened to be a book that caught my eye at the library and I’m so glad it did. This was so beautifully and eloquently written. Hearing this from two viewpoints was so interesting and hearing the distress and emotional toll it had for both characters was something I wasn’t expecting. If you are looking for something that tugs at the heartstrings while talking about a delicate subject then look no further!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @netgalley for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was so good. If you loved “The hate you give” you will love this book! This book made me so mad while reading because the way black people are treated in this world isnt fair. Just because you have a different skin color than another person, it makes you the bad guy. I loved that Olive and Reeds dad told them what to do when approached by a police officer so they would be ready in any situation. Olive’s personality reminded me so much of me in this book. She understood how her dad wanted her to talk to police but also knew what was wrong and what wasnt and she always stood up for herself! That lady that accused her of stealing her phone; i wouldve did exactly what Olive did in that situation.

This book would be great for young adults. Having them read this book would introduce them to how black people are treated based off of the color of their skin. The author breaks it down and also said some laws in the book that I never even knew existed in some places! One part in the book that made me sad was when Reed told his dad that he just wanted to know how not to become a hashtag 🥺 That really hit me hard because the kids in this story and all other kids in the world have to worry about things like this instead of just being a kid! I hope one day all this color of skin nonsense wont matter anymore!

[RobinJoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and insightful. As a person not in the black/brown community this book was also very educational and eye opening.

Brian Buckmire did an amazing job writing this story. Reed and Olivia draw you into their world and the daily worries they have to live with. The thought process these two children have to go with to make sure they make it home safe is mind blowing. The perspective of every day situation through their eyes gives the reader a clear understanding of how very different worlds and lives can be.

I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, especially those living in the US - adult and youth alike. The story is so relevant for what is currently happening in the US. Everyone needs to gain an understanding no matter how brief of the life experiences of others.

[LaceyBanana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who is looking to understand the different measures people with Black children face in regards to dealing with the police. Especially if your children have Black friends, their behavior can have a huge impact on their friends lives. This was such a fast read, highly recommend.

[Nae · Rating 4 out of 5]

had the pleasure of meeting the author this past weekend at the @blackbookbash and I'm so happy I got the chance to read his novel Come Home Safe.

This story was emotional but necessary. I had so many feelings of frustration reading this too. As a woman married to a Black man and a mom to two Black boys, every page reminded me of my own consistent prayers to the Lord that they'll always come home safe.

I love how @thebuckesa doesn't shy away from the truth either. He does a great job bringing readers face to face with all the tension, the injustice, and the humanity that too often get overlooked. It's raw, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional, reminding us why these conversations matter.
I also appreciated the educational nuggets woven throughout, especially the reminders of the rights we have when confronted by law enforcement. Those lessons were powerful and necessary.

I look forward to reading this with my sons in the near future.

[Fireplace.Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay I’m going to break down my review unlike any I’ve done before: by writing elements. I hope this will give you a decent idea as to why I’m struggling with reviewing this one,

Plot: the plot is pretty basic. In part 1 and 2 Reed and Olivia are faced with some kind of social injustice around racism. That is it. The whole plot revolves are 100 pages of two separate incidents. One is told in Reed’s POV the other in Olivia’s.

Setting: New York City. Not much is said other than this. Part 1 is the subway, part 2 a cafe. Time and place in space is sometimes hard to distinguish.

Dialogue: very matter of fact. There are long blocks of dialogue from Mom and Dad about social injustice. The dialogue of Reed and Olivia didn’t feel real.

Characters: Readers only get names for Reed and Olivia. Mom and Dad are simply just that. The cops have names but the lady doesn’t. Readers don’t get much for features or imagery.

Message: the message is important. It’s textbook how to handle situations with cops as a nonwhite person.

This is more a cautionary story without any story elements. It’s an important piece of text though I feel the writing could have been better. The same message could have been given with showing instead of telling. It was very in your face. I didn’t connect with the characters like I have in other books attempting to do the same thing this did.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️

I’m rating this low because though the message is vital the writing and the way the author went about it was to direct and lacking elements of literature in my opinion.

Thank you Blink for this ARC

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preachy

This book deals with the sad reality of criminalizing Black children. It covers an incident with the police falsely accusing a 14 year old boy of a crime based on mistaken identity. His twelve year old sister is later accused of theft from a “Café Karen”. The children recall lessons from their attorney father on how to conduct themselves in scenarios like this. The premise was good, but the writing lacked fluidity. The target audience for this book is tweens and teens. I felt like the author fell into an after school special trap which made the story feel like a textbook lesson or a corporate training video. As a parent, I appreciated the theme of teaching their kids to do whatever it takes to “come home safe”.

[Brittany Curtin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an uncomfortable (in a good way) read and although it’s a YA book, I think everyone should read it. It’s eye opening to hear the inner monologue and concerns of someone who has to fear how people will react to their behavior, outfits, etc just based on the color of their skin. The author does an outstanding job of keeping neutrality in this book, which I believe made the message that much stronger. Although this is fiction, it’s packed full of very important information about laws, rights and tips for encounters with law enforcement.

Thank you Blink for the ARC! I highly encourage and challenge everyone to read it

[Ali Dade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heavy book to read, but a necessary read, without a doubt.
It is YA so as an adult reading, it felt almost redundant at times, but this would be an amazing book to give to a teen/pre-teen who wanted to learn about the brutal realities of racial profiling and police brutality against POC. It breaks down the ideas in a simple and relatable way, while still incorporating the entertaining fictional aspects.

Trigger / Content Warning (potential spoilers ahead, please read TW at your own risk): racial profiling, racism, police brutality, a scene containing a physical attack against a child

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked The Hate U Give, this book is 100% for you! The book follows two young black teenagers who face the police in two separate stand offs where police brutality is at the full force. Racism, police politics and discrimination are the biggest themes throughout. In parts it was incredibly difficult to read but it is extremely important for everyone to read. It is a really quick read, with a YA writing style so it's easy and fast paced just with difficult topics. I would happily pick up more from this author in the future!

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book suffered from the purpose for which the author wrote it. He wanted to teach kids how to advocate for their rights, an absolutely admirable goal. However, to do so, he frequently interrupted the narrative to have the characters remember full length explanations from their public defender dad making the whole book read way more like a morality lesson than a story.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great conversation starter for families who need “the talk”, and a great window for families who don’t. Def geared to pre-teens, but could be good for older elementary students who are advanced.

[Heather Proehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to learn more about racial discrimination. This book did educate me on what people of color endure in relation to law enforcement interactions.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author, publisher, & netgalley for my advanced readers copy!!!

This book was so compelling and thought-provoking it literally had me on EDGE with emotions. Not gone lie it had me a little angry and my heart racing for a minute. But I loved how the author tried delivering his message and let it be known he doesn’t have the right answers but can give us the knowledge he’s learned. Kudos to Brian for this.

The book follows two siblings 12 year old Olive and her 14 year old brother Reed and their encounters with police, false accusations, unlawful interrogations, and discrimination. We’re taught that the police are here to protect and serve yet not much protecting was done in either situation.

The book is broken down into two parts. We see firsthand what Reed experienced when dealing with the police and the whole ordeal left him traumatized. Imagine being on the way home from school with your younger sibling only to be stopped by police then accused of something you didn’t do. I felt so bad for Reed because not only was he afraid but he was a child and they treated him as if they were dealing with an adult.

The 2nd part shows Olive in a similar situation yet she is falsely accused by a frantic woman. Rather than the police hearing both sides they took what the woman said and ran with it. In this particular instance they only saw color. Once it was revealed the woman was wrong the police chalked it up to being a misunderstanding. Little did they know Olive and Reed’s mother was present. They were biracial and there mother just so happened to be a white woman. Once she was present that changed the trajectory of the entire situation. Crazy right? Not really.

I can’t say a lot without basically giving the whole book away. But you guys it’s a MUST-READ if not for you definitely for your children or teens. The author did an amazing job with giving us two different scenarios involving the law and what could be done in either situation. His law expertise was immaculate and I think something we should take into account when dealing with police.

Once I finished the book I understood the reasoning behind the title “Come Home Safe”. Nobody should have to say those words to their children everyday. But when we live in a world that has grown even more dangerous by the day it’s necessary.

There was something Olive mentioned in the story that really stuck with me. “I walk differently to be safe, I dress differently to be safe. How much of myself do I have to give up to be safe?” I felt that on so many levels. How much do we have to give before we can feel safe in this world. What more can we do not to be deemed as a threat that results in police brutality?

I loved how each chapter’s header was a famous quote. I loved both of the MC’s especially Olive she was very smart and wise for her age. Overall this was a quick and easy read that definitely packed a powerful punch. I recommend this book 100%!!!!!

[Morgan (bookmorgs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Dad, I just want to know how to not become a hashtag”

“I shouldn’t have to teach an unarmed fourteen-year-old how to be safe around trained adults in body armor and guns.”

First, thank you to @blackbiracialandbookish for hosting this giveaway, and second thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this brutally honest read.

First, I absolutely loved the knowledge of the law that the author had, usually I hate books that assume certain things of the law but this was all spot on. After reading the author blurb, I understood why it was so spot on. Brian Buckmire is a NYC Public Defender, an anchor for Law and Crime Daily and has covered many cases over his career, some including the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd.

This story is the brutally honest truth that people of color face every single day. How white privilege can and has made a lot of us ignorant towards the daily racism and prejudice that people of color face every single day.

In this story, we meet brother and sister, Reed and Olivia, whose father is a defense attorney in NYC. Their father has given them a list of rules to abide by, to keep them safe, but more importantly, to keep them alive.

“I shouldn’t have to teach an unarmed fourteen-year-old how to be safe around trained adults in body armor and guns.”

Reed and Olivia both face situations where they are the victims of racial profiling, causing them to have unnecessary contact with the police. In Reed’s situation, he “fit the description” just by simply being black. In Olivia’s situation, a white woman accused her of a crime, even when Olivia calls the police first, they show up and instantly take the white woman’s side. Why? Simply because she’s white, and Olivia is not.

The publishers sent not only the book, but the rules that Olivia and Reed are told to follow. “Debunking Know Your Rights Myths.” In this book, Reed carries a card that his father gave to him that is pre-printed to give to police whenever an unwarranted interaction occurs; the author and publisher mailed an exact reprint of that card, as well as a card holder to stick to the back of your phone.

This novella is such an important read, I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone. It was just released February 7th, 2023.

“There may come a time when a decision needs to be made. Your rights or your life. I hope you never have to make this choice, but if you do, I need you to choose your life. Choose your life each and every time.” “I’d rather fight for my son in court than fight for his memory.”

Card:
I am a minor.
I do not consent to being frisked or searched, neither my person or my property.
I wish to remain silent.
I want to consult an attorney before questioning.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Come Home Safe by Brian G. Buckmire
4h 55m narrated by Nike Bullock, 208 pages

Genre: Social Justice, Young Adult Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, African American

Featuring: Epigraphs, Brooklyn, New York; Soccer, Teens, Police Brutality, Racism, Lawyers, Cameras, Author's Note

Rating as a movie: PG-15 for brutality

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½

My thoughts: 📱40% 1:58:59 Part 1 Ch. 9 - These stories need to be told. I'm going to be passing this on to my son. I'm not mad that I delayed this one; it's deep. I needed some cozies first.

So this book has an important message but it fell flat so many times for me. It comes off more like a booklet for dealing with police than a middle-grade or YA book. The kids constantly go on tangents of giving information, some of which is irrelevant to the situation and story but keywords for further reading. The kids didn't reach out to their parents when the window was available, only when the narrative dictated. My biggest issue with this book was the missed opportunities, I can't go into it without spoiling what little story there is but they did nothing to bring awareness or fight for a better tomorrow, despite having tons of evidence. Winning isn't the purpose of a lawsuit; awareness and change should be the goal. 4 stars on Goodreads because of the knowledge the book contains.

Recommend to others?: Yes. This book is a poorly executed after-school special about dealing with the police when you are facing accusations. Despite all of that, the information is important, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

[Amber Reifsneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: Racism, Police Brutality, False Accusations

Summary:
Reed and Olive, two siblings that face racial encounters with the police and society when they least expect it. Reed is a freshman who loves soccer and cannot wait to get home and have his parents sign the permission slip for him to try out for the varsity team. Olive, Reed's younger sister attends a different school than him, but their parents tell them that all they want is for them to come home safe! On the way home, Reed is approached by a police officer and questioned because he "looks like" the suspect that the cops are looking for. As things escalate, Olive begins to film the encounter, to ensure that they have proof of what happened. Tension rises and the reader is taken through the events that unfold. The second part of the book follows Olive as she is falsely accused of stealing a white woman's phone.

Personal Opinion:
I found this book to be really powerful. While it did seem somewhat choppy shifting from part one to part two, I found the stories and scenarios to be really powerful. As a white woman, I HATE that these are things that Black Americans have to teach their children. I hate that they have to teach their children to keep their wallet in their front left pocket and to keep a bright colored wallet so that it is not mistaken for a weapon. This book hurt my heart to read because as far as I feel we have come as a country we still have so much, so much work to do. However, this book is definitely one that I would add to my middle school library as well as one that fans of books like The Hate U Give, This is My America, and Dear Martin would enjoy.

[Karen Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The background to this book is fascinating, and it’s both informative and engaging. I’m grateful to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this, but deeply frustrated that it still seems so necessary.
No matter what happens, as a parent you want your child to come home safe. This is even more important (it seems) for parents of children of colour in the US who may be victims of profiling, or who may be subjected to unnecessary force simply because of someone else’s prejudices.
The story focuses on siblings Reed and Olivia. Their father is a lawyer who has had numerous conversations with them about how to interact with officers of the law in order to ensure they are treated appropriately. These kids know their rights and are well-versed in how to manage themselves. But when they are dealing with this in reality - when they are stopped on a subway because Reed fits the profile of some kids the police were looking for - fear takes over and they don’t remember every lesson.
From the moment they are stopped my heart sank. At fourteen and twelve they should not have to be remembering not to resist when the police are forcing them to the ground before handcuffing them. They should not have to be recording every moment of the interaction so that if they need the evidence later it is indisputable. They should not have to be victims of assault simply because someone assumes something because of their skin colour.
Sadly, this remains relevant. It is written in a way that has emotional impact while also educating readers. A book that really should be read.

[Leanne Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is intense, powerful, thought provoking, and it SHOULD be all those things. Saying that I ‘enjoyed’ this book is the wrong wording because this isn’t a topic that should be ‘enjoyed’ or be called a good read. But it’s something everybody needs to read. To understand what innocent people are forced to go through. I couldn’t put it down and my heart was racing at multiple times and I was just reading a book. But this actually happens. Every day. I wish I could have read this knowing it was just a story
If you’re thinking about reading this - please do it.

[Angela B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to audio book with 2 of my children who are in middle school. Black children deal with so much and adding police injustices is heartbreaking. They loved this book - we discussed so many things from both stories of Reed & Olive and how they too must come home safe. Sad but true. I highly recommend this book for parents of black & brown children, those fighting each day for the rights of black & brown people and those who are allies. The book didn’t give any recommendations on how to fight the system but highlights 2 stories that happen too often in our communities.