This Is My America

Starred review from July 20, 2020
Activist Johnson’s powerful debut is a timely testimony that echoes the social realities behind today’s #BlackLivesMatter protests. For seven years, Tracy Beaumont, a Black 17-year-old, has written letters to Innocence X, a legal firm representing wrongfully convicted people on death row, begging them to take her father’s case. Her dad has less than one year left before he is executed by Texas for murder; the Beaumonts know both that he is innocent and that it’s easier for Galveston County to believe that a Black man committed the crime than to face the possibility of his innocence. As the clock ticks, Tracy is forced to relive her father’s arrest when a white sheriff accuses her elder brother, college-bound athlete Jamal, of murdering a white girl. Faced with the possibility of losing another family member to an unjust judicial system, Tracy begins her own investigation into the incident. Weaving together a gripping murder mystery and a heartfelt narrative about a girl trying to save her family, Johnson explores the systemic, generational effects of police brutality, mass incarceration, and racism on the Black community. Through Tracy’s work as an advocate, high school journalist, and Know Your Rights workshop leader, the author also offers a lens into combating social inequalities and their effects. A list of resources and suggested reading arms readers with valuable tools to promote change. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jennifer March Soloway, Andrea Brown Literary.

Bahni Turpin's heartfelt narration highlights the determination of a family as they encounter the painful realities of the criminal justice system. Seventeen-year-old Tracy Beaumont's father, an innocent man, has been sentenced to death, and although her family is exhausted with worry, they remain hopeful that the truth will come out. Then things go from bad to much worse when Tracy's brother, Jamal, a track star, is accused of killing a white girl. Turpin is in her element as she narrates Tracy's story, portraying her grief and fury as she confronts the deep-seated systemic racism and judicial inequities in her community. Turpin's portrayal of Tracy shines with authenticity and depth, and other characterizations are equally well crafted, bringing out the tension, despair, and deep love that powers this all-too-timely story. S.A.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Starred review from March 1, 2021

For the past seven years, 17-year-old Tracy Beaumont has been writing weekly letters to Innocence X, hoping that a lawyer there will take her father's case and help free him from a wrongful murder conviction that put him on death row. He and another Black man were accused of killing a white couple. Tracy is willing to do anything to get Innocence X's attention, even hijack her brother Jamal's interview with the local news about his track and field prowess. Not long after that, one of Tracy's classmates on the school paper, a white girl, is murdered, and Jamal is accused of the crime. Remembering how their father was treated, Jamal goes on the run, and Tracy is torn between clearing him and working to free her father. Little does she know that the cases intersect, connecting through a long-buried history in the town. Narrator Bahni Turpin brings this story to life in her typically brilliant fashion, through Tracy's voice and the people in her life. Each character's voice is unique and fits well with their personality and portrayal. This YA novel with crossover appeal provides a vivid look into the deep history of racial tensions and what families face when Black men are wrongly accused of crimes. VERDICT The struggle Tracy and her family are facing is raw and real; it's a story that needs to be read (or heard). This audiobook brings a powerful depth to the emotions and events.--Courtney Pentland, Omaha, NE

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 1, 2021

Gr 7 Up-For the past seven years, 17-year-old Tracy Beaumont has been writing weekly letters to Innocence X in the hopes that a lawyer there will take her father's case to help free him from a wrongful murder conviction that put him on death row. He and another Black man were accused of killing a white couple. Tracy is willing to do anything to get Innocence X's attention, even hijack her brother Jamal's interview with the local news station about his track and field prowess. Not long after that, one of Tracy's classmates on the school paper, a white girl, is murdered, and Jamal is accused of the crime. Remembering how their father was treated, Jamal goes on the run, and Tracy is torn between clearing him and working to free her father. Little does she know that both cases intersect, connecting through a long-buried history in the town that is starting to come to light. Narrator Bahni Turpin brings this story to life in her typically brilliant fashion through Tracy's voice and those of the people in her life. Each character's voice is unique and fits well with their personality and portrayal. This book provides a vivid look into what families face when Black men are wrongly accused of crimes and the deep history racial tensions can have in communities. VERDICT The struggle Tracy and her family are facing is raw and real; it's a story that needs to be heard. This audiobook brings a powerful depth to the emotions and events.-Courtney Pentland, Omaha, NE

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.