Nic Stone has been talking about The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed for months now, so I should have known there would be emotions. I finished The Black Kids audiobook—courtesy of Libro.fm—today and I did a double take a few times and I wasn’t ready for one of the ending scenes. My heart hurts a little but I definitely appreciate this one for taking me back to my teen years.
This story takes place in the 90s when Rodney King is a victim of police brutality and HIV/AIDS is a taboo subject. Ashley is a privileged teen living the life her parents prefer for her; one completely opposite of how they grew up. She’s balancing relationships between her outcast sister, a group of girlfriends who are sometimes borderline flippant, parents with high expectations, and a nanny/housekeeper set to return to her native home. Ashley is learning what her older sister means when she says the riots aren’t just about Rodney King, they’re about all of us. This novel packs so much into its pages—class, systemic racism, relationships, police brutality.
The Black Kids is a solid read and I like the setting and generational stories intertwined with what’s happening in the story.
Thanks @librofm @simonteen for the audio copy 🎧
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