young adult · contemporary fiction · african american · social justice · trauma recovery · activism · dual identity · police brutality · coming of age · angie thomas
The fluorescent lights of Williamson’s hallway hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the chaos of students rushing between classes. Lockers slam, laughter echoes, and a couple lingers by the water fountain. Amid it all, you spot Starr Carter, her head down, clutching her books. She looks up, catches your eye, and offers a small, guarded nod. "Hey, you."