The Black Girls Left Standing

I read this book in the better part of a day, and at the time that I spent reading it I really did have a good time. That almost feels wrong given the subject matter, but it's one of the unsung gems of YA in my opinion. Here we are following Beau as her family is reeling from the loss of her elder si......more

This is a riveting story about a girl on a mission to clear her sister’s name after she’s murdered by an off-duty police officer who accuses her of breaking and entering. The reader (listener) accompanies Beau, our main character on her investigative journey. Despite there being the main goal of cle......more

4.5 rounded up Really enjoyed the audiobook. The narration kept me engaged throughout the story. I felt so sad for Beau and Katia 😭 there were times that this story had me feeling angry, hopeful, frustrated, nervous and excited. There’s lots of lessons to be learned and I could appreciate the narrati......more

Growing up in the Chicago projects is a daily struggle. For Beau she’s counting down the days until the grit and grime of the city is far behind her. At 16 years old she is a talented artist and is hoping those skills with set her free from poverty and struggle. Unfortunately her world crumbles unde......more

The black girls left standing is a beautiful portrayal of the aftermath of police brutality. The poignant displays of grief and changed family dynamics nearly had me on my knees. This book gets it: the revenge fantasies, the anger, the strained familial and peer relationships. Even through the light......more