This story is about a girl who witnesses a traumatic event and in the end finds her voice is the best weapon she has to fight oppression. She and her family also learn that solidarity is stronger than silence and knuckling under to authority, whether gangs or police.

This young adult novel tells everything from Starr's point of view. Some internal dialog is great at establishing character and climate, describing her family or her school or her history. There are points when there is a little too much, though, and the book feels long at times.

That minor complaint aside, this book presents a strong female character who grows throughout the narrative. As mentioned above, her family also grows stronger. Contemporary situations and references and occasional humor are welcome, balancing the strong story of oppression. Recommended.