This book tackles the struggles that Mann, a thirteen year old, struggles with. His struggles truly begin after his kid-brother is shot and killed. Throughout the story, other people he knows wind up dead from gun violence as well. This novel does a great job at explaining difficult situations that children can face. I would have this book in my classroom library because some students may have faced some of the things that Mann does in this book. ( )

Mann is an African American boy who experiences things such as a rough neighborhood and racism. He is torn between growing up and being the kid that he still is.

It started off with a boy named "Mann." Their neighborhood was very easy to die. Meaning that it was alot like America. First of all, lots of people in the neighborhood this book talks about have guns, and whenever someone just steps somewhere at the wrong place and wrong time which disturbs people, they will probably get killed. Later, Mann and his best friend "Kee-Lee" got kicked out of their homes and have to live by themselves. Then their adventure had really got exciting.
In my opinion, this book was really good that I couldn't put it down till I finished it. The ending was very touching, and it almost made me cry. I recommend it for readers in the age of 13-17. Inside this book has a lot of depressing love.
Sharon G. Flake was born on December 24th, 1955 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Some of her other works are "Money Hungry," and "The Skin I'm In."

Mann's family lost his little brother to a street shooting two years ago and his family was changed forever. All the family members are grieivng in different ways, while the murders continue in their neighborhood. Mann's father comes up with a plan to toughen him up and turn him into a strong man. But his father's desperate plan results in more loss and hardships.
This book is an intense look at how violence affects families and neighborhoods, and how they are torn apart by it.
Audiobook includes interview with the author.
A poem at the begining of the book could maybe be the booktalk?
Mann's is 13 and his younger brother Jason was shot and killed two years ago. Jason was only seven years old, and his family is torn apart. When Mann starts getting into trouble at school and in the neighborhood his father thinks that the way to turn Mann and his best friend Kee-Lee into strong men is to take them camping and leave them alone two weeks away from home. ( )

A story about two friends who find themselves in a bad situation and make a pack not to tell. Q and JD are out riding their bikes one day when JD pulls out a gun and shoots a vending truck driver. The two boys run hoping no one saw them. However, when JD tries to frame Q for the shooting, JD's sister is the who provides the evidence to prove Q's innocents. A thrilling book about choices and the impact they have to change a persons life. ( )