This bookish meme tells the blogosphere what we’re waiting patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) for! It’s hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine!
In this haunting story about family, legacy, and sacrifice, a young Black girl living in a Texas sundown town must find the courage to stand up for what’s right even when it means facing impossible choices. Perfect for fans of Nic Stone and The Hate U Give.
Fifteen-year-old Lala Russell is doing a bad job at being a Black girl. She has social justice fatigue, and she doesn’t want to join the Black Alliance Club at her school (even though she agrees with them). A gifted cellist, she’s focused on leaving her small town and accomplishing her goals and dreams. But Lala has also inherited another gift, her grandmother Sadie’s gift of foresight. She has visions of the future—and they always come true.
In Davey, the Texas sundown town she lives in, there is growing tension, as a black organization attempts to diversify the nearly all-white part of town. Amidst violent protests, Lala has a vision. In it, a Black teenage boy is shot in the chest by a white homeowner. Now Lala has a find the boy and save him.
But Grandma Sadie has a vision too. After the boy’s murder, a wave of protests breaks out. And the outrage over the casual and frequent slaying of unarmed Black children will result in unprecedented change. Change that won’t happen if the vision is altered. Lala is faced with an existential question—can she allow herself to sacrifice one life to, in turn, save many? And if so, whose life will she choose?
Published by: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Expected Publication: September 9, 2025
Why I’m Waiting: I haven’t seen many books about Sundown towns as much as people try to act as if they never existed. So imagine my surprise when I realized I had two that were coming out soon. This one also looks like it’s going to be enough to break me. AND it’s set in Texas?! This is going to be a hard read, but I just know I’m going to love it. I can’t wait to get my hands on it! Also, this cover is amazing and it really didn’t matter what it was about, I was going to read it as soon as I got my hands on it anyway lol
What about you? Have you heard of this? Will you be reading this? Let me know in the comments!
Oh nice! Now I have to look up Sundown motels as I thought it was just a name! I have a book with it in the title to read but never really thought anything of the name! But you have me curious by your comments! Hope you enjoy this one once you get to read it!
Here’s my CWW
Have a GREAT day!
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