(2) YA An introduction by Jason Reynolds, coauthor with Kiely of All American Boys (rev. 11/15), begins this honest and informative reflection on what it means to be white--and a call for white readers to take anti-racist action. After stating that conversations about race and racism often occur between caregivers and children of the Global Majority (the term Kiely uses throughout), the author opens the door to a conversation on whiteness for an assumed white readership. Using the first-person perspective, and with a casual tone but a deliberate use of language, the author relates personal stories, while acknowledging the contradictions of his authorship and of de-centering whiteness. Voices of youth and of those not always recognized by mainstream society are celebrated. Section breaks pace readers and invite them to pause and reflect; questions offer further opportunities for reader engagement. Kiely carefully scaffolds content, embraces discomfort, rejects either/or binaries, and owns his mistake-making: "I know I'm not going to get everything right. But I think I have to try." Charts and timelines showcase facts about history and racist systems and institutions; extensive back matter is included. Throughout this heartfelt model of white racial identity development, the emphasis remains on self-interrogation, group responsibility, and anti-racist accountability.

Reviewer: Elisa Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2022

(2) YA In this dark and timely novel, two teens confront the dangerous sexism entrenched in their elite, formerly all-male boarding school. After Jules Devereaux is sexually assaulted by her influential ex-boyfriend, new (platonic) friend James Baxter, a hockey player, resolves to stand up for her. Together, they hatch a daring plot to make a public statement. Alternating chapters from these equally compelling narrators detail two distinct paths toward activism.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(2) YA Hendrix busts his grandfather--who has Alzheimer's disease--out of his assisted living facility. With Hendrix's crush, Corrina, they embark on a cross-country road trip from California to Ithaca, New York, where many of his grandfather's happiest memories were formed. In this novel about two love stories, Kiely (coauthor of All American Boys) eschews hard-hitting topics for more classic YA tropes.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(1) YA When a quick stop at the corner store suddenly escalates into police brutality, high school classmates Rashad (who is African American) and Quinn (who is white) are linked and altered by the violence--Rashad as victim and Quinn as witness. This nuanced novel explores issues of racism, power, and justice with a diverse (ethnically and philosophically) cast and two remarkable protagonists.

Reviewer: Anastasia M. Collins | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2015

(3) YA Sixteen-year-old Aidan, lonely and suffering in the wake of his parents' breakup, turns to drugs and booze. He also confides in his Catholic church's priest--but soon discovers Father Greg's dark intentions. This bleak debut novel ambitiously addresses many contemporary issues, but its realistic, gut-wrenching depiction of priest sexual abuse in particular hits the mark.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl