Chloe and Miles decide to unravel the mystery of Chloe’s grandmother's experiences during World War II. In addition to their research, Miles grapples with his reluctance to participate in activism regarding the anti-Asian rhetoric circulating his Bronx neighborhood, as well as the murder of George Floyd. ​

​Favorite Quote or Moment:
The moment: 1967 scene based on true events, when Huey P. Newton knows his rights and stands up to the officers who are attempting to violate his Second Amendment right to bear arms.  

The Final Verdict 
Whether you are interested in Congressman Lewis’ story itself or curious about the March in Selma, Alabama, you will not leave this book feeling like you have wasted your time. In fact, once you read Book One, you will be inclined to read Books Two and Three, as they end with cliffhangers. Note, if you decide to read this book, racial slurs are used, which further expresses the energy and vitriol that Congressman Lewis and others experienced. This book matters because it allows readers to connect history with the present. It is not just dates and events; it shows the human side, what it felt like to experience these events. How to make changes in a time when all seems lost. March: Book One shows us that history is shaped by the actions of those who choose to speak up when silence is an easy choice.  

It is June, and homecoming season has just ended. It is an exciting time in young people’s lives. In The Black Queen, the excitement surrounding the homecoming at Lovett High is something few could fathom. The events surrounding this homecoming will take you on a journey of exploration, where you can learn about yourself, others, and the world we live in. Let’s talk about it.

What was challenging

• The characters: There were times when we were annoyed with several of the characters’ actions.
• Realistic: Realism was what we enjoyed and was also a challenge. As you learn more about Tinsley and her family background and see how some family members manage themselves, once again, you find yourself being annoyed.

Note: These challenges clearly are not about the book itself; they were challenges, nonetheless. 

Favorite Quote or Moment:
We would tell you our favorite moment, but it would be a spoiler. When and or if you read the book, you will find out!

The Final Verdict (SPOILER ALERT)
Benjamin Crump's grandmother has been quoted as saying, “The only thing worse than a lie is telling the truth, and no one believes you.” We heard this quote long after reading this novel; however, as we write this blog, that quote rings true even more and would ring true for Tinsley. 
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This book is a page turner that not only keeps you engaged but also explores real-world topics and invites you to investigate your own biases and privileges, if you dare to do so. 

​What stands out is how the book handles adolescence under extraordinary circumstances. Lizzie is navigating the same questions most teens face — Who am I becoming? Who can I trust? What do I do with the knowledge I’m not supposed to have? —but the stakes are amplified by the war. The authors never lose sight of her age. Her courage is real, but so is her uncertainty. That balance keeps the story honest.

Angeline Boulley’s Sisters in the Wind is a powerful YA mystery thriller that follows 18-year-old Lucy Smith, whose life has been shaped by loss and survival ever since her father’s death five years ago. As a ward of the state, Lucy has spent years moving through the foster system, learning to stay guarded and constantly alert. 

​One of the most powerful elements of the novel is its focus on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the role it plays in protecting indigenous children from being removed from their communities. Boulley makes it clear that Lucy’s story is not an individual case, but rather part of a larger history of indigenous children being separated from their families through foster care and adoption systems. The inclusion of ICWA helps frame the conversation around what justice and protection should look like, and what happens when the law is ignored or treated as inconvenient. The novel also touches on how institutions and systems like foster care do not always support young people in the ways they are meant to. Through Lucy’s experiences, Boulley highlights how systems designed to protect kids can still fail and leave young people to rely on themselves in situations where they should be supported and cared for. 

This is the kind of novel that would absolutely keep students reading. The pacing is quick, the tension is constant, and every chapter leaves you wanting more. But what makes it worth teaching or recommending is the depth underneath the suspense. It invites readers to think critically about systems of care, the role of law and policy, and the long-term impact of identity being taken away. ​