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What Works: This is a powerful story. The DuBurke's stark black and white artwork manages to convey that power without melodrama. Neri works hard to give a complete picture of Yummy, a dangerous felon who was still a child.
What Doesn't: I have some serious questions about the intended audience for this book. Is it meant for teens? If so, the choice of a young narrator may turn off readers. Also, while Yummy's story is indeed powerful, it also happened before most teen readers were born. Dated slang, dress and cultural references will serve to remove teens from the story. I can't quite see a younger reader enjoying or understanding this volume, and I think the format will be enough to turn off most adults. So while the book is arresting and moving, I'm not sure it will reach the intended recipients.
However: I am a 30+ white girl living in a suburb. While I can't see many of my patrons picking this title up of their own accord, that could be different in a different library.
Who Would I Give This Book To?: Fans of Walter Dean Myers and urban fiction. Teens researching gang violence, fans of non-fiction graphic novels.
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