Safe Passage

by G. Neri, David Brame (Illustrator)

In this stand-alone companion to bestselling and highly acclaimed Yummy, Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author G. Neri returns with an epic journey across the South Side of Chicago for Darius, his little sister Cissy, and his best friend Booger as they set out to find an armored truck that has lost a payload of cash.

Thirteen-year-old Darius is going through a rough time. It's almost been a year since a terrible act of violence took the life of his mother and left him with a wound both in his leg and in his heart. With his stepdad out of work; his little sister, Cissy, always on his case; and the looming prospect of foreclosure on their house, he feels his world closing in on him.

But Darius's best friend, Booger, has a plan. A Brinks armored truck has crashed on a nearby highway and money is blowing everywhere. If they can get across town and back safely, they just might get rich! But to do it, they need to cross through some of the most dangerous streets in Chicago, staying ahead of the gangs that rule those neighborhoods.

Before long, their adventures blow up on social media as Booger documents their search for riches, and everyone is after them. Can they get home without falling victim to the violence of the streets? Sometimes, on the streets of Chicago, there is no Safe Passage.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Crime

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

G. Neri is the Coretta Scott King honor-winning author of Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty and the recipient of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award for his free-verse novella, Chess Rumble. His books have been translated into multiple languages in over 25 countries. They include the novels Tru & Nelle, A Christmas Tale, Ghetto Cowboy, Knockout Games, Surf Mules, and two free-verse picture book bios, When Paul Met Artie and Hello, I'm Johnny Cash. In 2017, he was awarded a National Science Foundation grant that sent him to Antarctica.

Prior to becoming a writer, Neri was a filmmaker, an animator/illustrator, a digital media producer, and a founding member of The Truth anti-smoking campaign. Neri currently writes full-time and lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his wife and daughter. You can find him online at www.gneri.com.

Reviews

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review as a possible future Maud Hart Lovelace Award nominee.
When Darius's friend Booger (aka Big Money, Charles) gets the crazy idea to go get some 'free' money from a Brink's truck that crashed on the highway, Darius finds himself along for the ride. Worried about her older brother, Darius's sister Cissy joins them in hopes of bringing Darius to his senses and back to school. From there things go from bad to worse to even worse to possibly the worst day ever in the three young people's lives. Will they all survive a day in the gang territories of Chicago's South Side? If they do, what will be the cost?
Told as a graphic novel, this story gives us a view of the harsh realities of urban living. Fans of urban fiction or G. Neri's previous graphic novel Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty will want to give this a try.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the anniversary of his mother's death and with his family on the verge of eviction, 15-year-old Darius goes along with his friend's stupid get-rich-quick scheme. Things start to go wrong when Darius' little sister tags along, then get worse when his partner brags on social media that they made a huge score. Now they are miles from home and easy targets as they have to cross the territory of several different Chicago street gangs to get back to their own South Side neighborhood.

The story kicks off pretty strong, suggesting it's an urban homage to The Odyssey or at least a stab at The Warriors 2: Shorty Boogaloo, but it gets bogged down as the center trio spends so much time bickering over their string of bad decisions. My interest waned, the confrontation with the Big Bad fizzled, and the denouement felt too fast, too tidy, and rather pointless.

I think I might have liked this at about half the length.

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe passage is a deeply moving and impactful graphic novel. The setting is the southside of Chicago, we meet a brother and sister named Darius and Cissy. Darius is dealing with many things in his life: his mom was shot and killed, his family is facing eviction, and his best friend keeps digging them into trouble. Darius's stepfather is an Iraq war veteran who is struggling to find a job. His family facing eviction on the anniversary of his mom's death. Darius meets his friend Booger, who is very invested in social media and embraces the values of rap singer-wannabes who glorify money and violence. Booger has a plan; he's seen on social media that a Brinks truck has overturned, and people are grabbing money. Booger's get rich quick scheme lures Darius and Cissy away from school and on a perilous and dangerous journey. The artwork is dark and in-depth. The graphic novel that teens, young adults and everyone should read. Thanks to hear our voices tours, Tu Books, author G. Neri and artist David Brame.

Safe passage Survival rules
1. Never Wander from the path
2. Know your surroundings and potential threats at all times.
3. Always keep a phone on you and money in your pocket
4. Travel in packs
5. Never be out after dark
6. Leave no man behind

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

Safe Passage by G. Neri & David Brame @neri.greg & @amazingdavidbrame
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✨Rating & Review✨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is so important for so many different reasons. There’s history and there’s current events, but also, there’s just plain ole hard facts. Children shouldn’t be dying on the way to school. The need for safe passages shouldn’t be because there are is so much violence that parents are scared for their children. Children should be free to live their life OUTSIDE, not cooped inside unless they’re in school. I hope that this book finds its way into every school in America. Thank you so much @hearourvoicestours and the authors for sharing this story with me.
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#Books #BookRecommendation #BlackGirlsReadBooksToo #BlackGirlsRead #Bookstagram #BlackBookstagram #YABookstagrammer #BooksAreAGirlsBestFriend #QueerReadersOfInatagram #ReadersOfInstagram #BookLover #Bookworm #BookLover #BookCommunity #ReadMoreBooks #AvidReader #Bibliophile #BookishGirls #BookReviews #HearOurVoices #HOV #SafePassage #GraphicNovel

[Aliyah Patillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Someday we'll get out, live in a real house in a real neighbourhood.
And we won't need no safe passage cause everywhere will be safe."

A safe passage is something that should not have to exist.

The concept behind safe passages is creating secure ways for children on their way to and from school. Guided by guardians and street signs it is an effort to reduce the harm of gang violence on innocent people.
As most know, being meticulously told where to be as a kid while full of adventure and curiosity, is truly annoying and a pain.
So what do you do when the chance of a lifetime awaits, but it means venturing off the safe passage?
This story revolves around three kids, Darius, Cissy and Booger. Their characters differ quite a lot, so that you can identify with each one for them at some point or another (which doesn't mean that I didn't want to shake Booger and beg him to come to his senses at least 5 times).
The novel is drawn with a love for detail for each character and in a unique style that really impressed and stuck with me.
It is somewhat written like a thriller with a healthy amount of humour, even when the violent situation in Chiraq and the danger the kids get themselves into, is scarcely something to laugh at, grief and loss lurking around every corner. But even after breaking the rules that keep you alive, one stands out above all: leave no man behind.
I really enjoyed this read for what it was. I was entertained, heartbroken at times, and also educated. Even after finishing the story I tried to inform myself on the safe passage initiative.

A great novel for younger ones as well!

[Christina Getrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black and white illustrations tell the story in this graphic novel about a 15 year old boy, Darius, and his 13 year old sister Cissy, who go on a perilous all-day journey through various gang territories in the South Side of Chicago. They are trying to get home safely to their father after Darius went with his friend Booger ("Call me Big Money!" he constantly says, trying to change his nickname to reflect his dream of striking it rich) to find loose cash from an overturned Brinks truck. But Darius and Cissy have strayed far from the streets labeled Safe Passage (neutral gang territory) that their father always guided them on. Big Money gets them in serious trouble by posting a video to social media bragging that they found a ton of cash (when really they only found an empty Brinks bag). Now they have to dodge various gang members and others who are trying to get the supposed money out of them, and things get dicey when Big Money brandishes the gun he has with him. Cissy wasn't even supposed to be with them, she followed them until Darius spotted her. This is a good story with suspense and some humor, a somewhat sad but true look at a Black urban teen experience.

[DOMINIQUE Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story 13 year old Darius is dealing with something he should never have to after a senseless act left him injured and his mother dead. With his stepfather struggling to find a job and the looming eviction he is looking for anything to help out. After learning of a crashed Brinks truck, Darius ,along with his friend and sister take a chance to try to collect on some of the money that flying around. After people take note of what they are trying to do the group is on a journey to make it back safe.

This story was such a good read to share with my 12 year old son. Growing up in New York I felt like I had to go through something similar traveling yo school in the mornings. Booger kept me laughing throughout. It was so relatable and we absolutely enjoyed this one. This was my first graphic novel read in about 15 years and it did not disappoint.

[atlas christenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art in this was amazing!! Very emotional and sweet story.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good and had me feeling emotional. Also, loved the artwork. Highly recommend!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

In this graphic novel, we meet Darius and Cissy, who live on the South Side of Chicago, where violence on the streets is all too commonplace. It's been a year since Darius' mother was killed, and he struggles to get along with his stepfather, an Iraq war veteran who has struggled to find work. The two kids (Darius is 15, Cissy, 13) see a peice of mail that indicates they may get evicted, which is not good news on the anniversary of their mother's death. With the help of the stepfather, who helped kids walk to school with other former members of the military, the kids make it to school, although there are very important rules about walking the streets of the South Side. At school, Darius meets his friend Booger (Charles), who does not impress Darius' stepfather. Booger is very invested in social media and embraces the values of rap singer-wannabes who glorify money and violence. Booger has a plan; he's seen on social media that a Brinks truck has overturned, and people are grabbing money. Although Darius has a spelling test, he agrees to go with Booger to try to grab some of the money. Of course, this means skipping school and straying from the safe path his stepfather prescribes. The boys take off, getting a bus some of the way. They get hassled by younger kids when they leave their neighborhood, and Darius finds out that Booger is carrying an unloaded handgun. He doesn't like this idea, nor does he like the fact that Cissy has followed the two. She wants to keep him safe, and the boys can't seem to ditch her. They see the Brinks truck, but aren't able to get near it because of the police. They do manage to get a Brinks bag, but it does not have money in it. This does not stop Booger from posting (as his name of choice, Big Money) that he HAS found money. This doesn't seem like a great idea to Darius, and soon the kids find out why. Not only are people who have seen the post trying to find them, but they must cross several unfriendly neighborhoods in the three miles they need to traverse to get home. Darius' backpack was taken in the encounter with the younger children, so he doesn't have any money, and Booger loses his bus pass. They do find some kindness along the way; they hide out in a drug house and are unharmed, and are fed and counseled by a man and woman in a mosque. They are approached by text by a rapper and social media presence, Drilla (aka White) Mike, and are so desperate at one point that they think about accepting his help. At their lowest point, Booger is shot in a pawn shop, Darius is cuffed by the police, and Cissy tries to get help. An unhoused woman who used to be a nurse does manage to patch Booger up, but Cissy is taken by Drilla Mike's minions. Darius makes his way there and is held at gunpoint while he explains there never was any money. Things look bleak until Mike sees a sketch that Darius has made of him, and lets the kids go. They drop Booger at the hospital and finally arrive home, where the stepfather greets them tearfully. Things are not great, but each new day brings new possibilities, and the three will stick together and try to make their way in a dangerous world. This is a companion to the 2010 Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty.
Strengths: While Neri's books address racial iniquities and are painfully insightful discussions of life in a very difficult community, Safe Passage reads like an adventure novel. Imagine My Side of the Mountain if Sam Gribley were fending off drug dealers instead of bears, and having to ride buses without money instead of burning out the inside of a tree for somewhere to live. I can only imagine that Neri (with Brame's aptly dark yet vibrant illustrations) is showing us Chicago as it really is, in the same way that Jean Craighead George showed us the beauty and danger of the outdoors. Darius is having a difficult time; not only has he lost his mother, but his leg was injured in the attack, and it still pains him. He wants to do well in school, but is tired of listening to his stepfather. He wants to protect Cissy, but is also irritated by her. Cissy finds it hard to believe that Darius is listening to Booger, who is clearly not making good choices. Somehow, their attitudes make the adventure they unwillingly find themselves on seem all the more compelling. They have to rely on the skills they have gained to make their way home. There are many poignant moments, such as visiting their mother's grave in Woodlawn Cemetery, and discussing the mother's death with Drilla Mike, but what really struck me is how similar this was to other survival adventure books. Like Karma in Johnson's Falcon Wild, Darius doesn't want to be in danger, but it's fascinating and exciting to watch him use his skills to complete his epic journey.
Weaknesses: I'm not sure it's okay to pitch this as an adventure graphic novel. It's horrible that so little progress has been made in Chicago that children are still this unsafe getting to and from school. This is not my world, so I don't really understand it and don't feel qualified to speak to how things should change. This seems like it should be studied as a much more serious exploration of social justice, even though it was such a compelling adventure. There is an on page death of Darius' mother, so this is better suited for middle school and high school readers.
What I really think: This was such an intriguing book, and Darius' journey is a valuable one for readers who are not familiar with his world to experience. Broaddus' Unfadeable and Undercover Latina have a similar feel to them. Neri's 2011 Ghetto Cowboy (renamed Concrete Cowboy for a 2020 movie) and 2021 Polo Cowboy, offer different views of Chicao, as does Chess Rumble (2008). There's a nice interview of Neri by Robert Kent from 2013.

[CYBILS Awards]

Another find from Ms. Yingling: https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow-up book to Neri's is about how the South Side of Chicago changed after Yummy's time and the gangs were broken up only to be replace by hundreds of microgangs/sets that now rule their neighborhoods. If you loved Yummy, you'll love this graphic novel, too.

It is the one year anniversary of his mother's death and things seem to be closing in on Darius. His stepfather has been laid off, they are on the doorstep of homelessness, and his knee has not completely healed from a gunshot wound. His stepfather walks both D. and his stepsister Cissy to school along the Safe Passage route. Rather than walking into school, D. skips it with his friend Booger to find some money that fell out of a Brinks truck during an accident on a nearby highway, unaware that Cissy is tagging along. The trio make it safely across town, but are disappointed at what they find. Meanwhile, Booger uses social media and brags that now he is "Big Money". In trying to get back home, they find themselves in trouble at every turn as everyone is looking for them.

Wow! Again, Neri gives us another story about another Southside shorty. This compelling story about a young teenager that is caught in a situation not of his choosing with no way out will keep the reader engaged until the end. Darius is impulsive and confused, hurt and feels abandoned by society. He is easily manipulated to do things he knows are not right, but doesn't want to cross his friend "Booger". Cissy serves as Terry's conscience along the way. This is a real scary world for these children outside the safety of their home, with no way out. The emotions are real - fear of danger outside, love for family, genuine caring for others. I found myself often holding my breath until Darius got a break himself. A bonus: Neri opens with an Author's Note that sets up the book nicely. Be sure not to miss it!

Powerful digital illustrations by David Brame are appropriately edgy, dark, and arranged randomly on the page - reflecting Darius' world. It is ragged. It is rough. It is not at all beautiful. And after dark, it is darker because the paper on the page turn from gray to black after the sun sets. Brame does an excellent job with facial expression, body language, and leaving up to the imagination.

An important work that should be read by all teens - by suburban and rural kids to understand their counterparts and for inner city kids to see themselves. Highly Recommended for grades 8-12.

[Sharon Velez Diodonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Safe Passage by G. Neri & David Brame put me through the wringer. It's a middle graphic novel set in Chicago about three kids who ditch school to try to get money from an overturned Brinks truck in hopes of saving their family from the impoverished conditions and violence of their city. Darius and Cissy already lost their mom to gun violence, and Booger seems to have lost hope and has a death wish with all his poor decisions. Darius was also hurt due to being shot. This graphic novel depicts the dangers of life in Chicago for today's youth. Much of the rise in violence was due to over 50 schools being closed and kids being forced to travel farther through territory to get to school. The public schools that remained open enacted the Safe Passage Program, where adults, many veterans undertake the job of ensuring students make it to school safely. There are signs posted delineating safe zones, and the adults coordinate safe passage and try to be informed about where violence is escalating. Reading this one had me so emotional, sad and heartbroken because there are so many inner city children losing their lives due to the consequences of the rising cost of living due to gentrification, police brutality, poverty, lack of resources, lack of strict gun laws and racism. There were times I didn't realize that I was holding my breath because I felt waves of tears coming uncontrollably. Overall, it was a really thought-provoking read & the illustrations bring the story to life. I highly recommend this one and it will be a great conversation starter for many about the harsh realities that Black youth face in the inner city. Take care of yourself while reading because this one will seep deep underneath your skin & make you uncomfortable.

Here are some additional books that would pair well with this one:
📚 I am Alfonso Jones (graphic novel)- Tony Medina
📚 Yummy, the Last Days of a Southside Shorty (graphic novel) - G. Neri
📚 Long Way Down (graphic novel)- Jason Reynolds
📚 Monster (MG novel)- Dean Myers
📚 Ghost Boys (MG novel)- Jewell Parker Rhodes
📚 Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice
📚 Children of Chicago - Cynthia Pelayo

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a harrowing, yet compelling story of how gang violence in Chicago affects the SouthSide and how people have tried to create "Safe Passage" for kids to get to school without getting beaten up or shot at--which isn't something that kids should be worrying about to begin with.

On the one-year anniversary of the death of Darius's mother, his friend, Booger, talks him into skipping school to go track down where an armored truck has gotten into a wreck. People are posting videos of money flying all over the place and Booger gets the great idea that they can gather up a lot of the money and no one would be the wiser. At first, Darius is all for it because he caught a glimpse of the second eviction notice on the kitchen table, where his stepdad is also scouring the newspapers to try and find a job.

Booger decides to post the empty bank bag they found on social media and it goes viral. Which... they quickly realize isn't the kind of attention they want when they have to cross several gang territories to get back home. Unfortunately, Darius's little sister, Cissy, follows them instead of going to school, which puts her in danger as well.

The art is strictly black and white, which really works for focusing on the plot and not the setting / surroundings. It especially works when blood appears in the panels for those who may be a little squeamish.

The story puts the reader in the turmoil of the characters growing up in a violent area, but also shows how kids notice the misfortunes that fall upon the adults as well, despite the attempts to pretend that everything is okay by the grown-ups. I feel like it also touches on how a person shouldn't post everything they do on social media because it can wind up blowing up in their faces or how there are fake personas everywhere (like in the case of "White Mike.")

Just an overall great read.

[Sally Kruger]

G. Neri fans will want to check out his new release SAFE PASSAGE. A graphic novel similar to his popular YUMMY, this story features Darius, his little sister, and Booger. A year earlier Darius's mother was shot and killed leaving Darius and his sister in the care of their step-father. He has tried to educate the kids on living in the rough neighborhoods of Chicago, but kids will be kids. They don't always follow the rules for safety.

On the way to school, Darius's friend Booger comes up with a scheme. He heard that a Brinks bank transport truck crashed and money is supposedly flying around everywhere. Booger convinces Darius they need to be a part of this windfall. Promising they will be back in time for Darius to take his afternoon math test, they hop a bus and head out to become rich.

The first problem is Cissy, Darius's sister follows them. She is determined to be part of the adventure or snitch about it to their step-father if they don't let her come along. Problem after problem causes their scheme to turn into a dangerous situation. They end up running from one dangerous neighborhood to another hoping to find safe passage back home.

G. Neri's narrative combined with David Brame's art make SAFE PASSAGE a powerful read sure to be as popular as YUMMY with teen readers.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

This story was STRESSFUL to read. The art was really nice and fit the tone of the story, but seeing these kids be kids and make horrible decisions, some of which were forced upon them, really, was honwstly just so stressful to read through. I wanted to jump in there and stop them from being so dumb. The setting was unsettling to me because I would never want to be in those situations, but this is a daily occurrence for some people and that breaks my heart.

I gave it a lower rating because the ending was slightly rushed, in true graphic novel fashion, even though it wasn't as bad as most. But the resolution of the evens just sounded a little too perfect and seemed not so realistic, and the very end, thougb cute, it was a little cliché.

This book is suppoed to be in a timelime following the events from G. Neri's book "Yummy" which I have not read, BUT this can definitely be read as a standalone as the reasoning for the dangerous situations are briefly walked through in the first 10 pages of the story, giving readers context as to how things turned out that way.

Overall a good book to see into some of those hard realities of living in such dangerous areas filled with gangs and how a bad system keeps children from staying alive.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad that Neri wrote this and I'm even happier for the foreword that discusses the impact of Yummy because at my high school, we regularly reorder a handful of copies of it to share with students (that often don't come back). It's an impactful graphic novel that will remain so, and now I'm grateful that this exists to share this one as well.

Horrific in its truth, the book is about a brother and sister in Chicago whose one-day becomes a lifetime of events because Darius' friend wants to make it big time by picking up some money from a Brinks truck crash by skipping school. But the safe passages that exist that Darius's stepfather and others work hard to protect kids from the gangs throughout the city aren't going to help them when they crisscross the city. It's heart-pounding at every turn and because Cissy, Darius's little sister ended up tagging along, they're in more danger which pushes them into a trap house, into a mosque where they're fed, someone gets shot, and plenty of other situations.

The reality is startling but the attention to what was/is happening is the truth and necessary. Thank you for creating another graphic novel to hand to high schoolers!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edelweiss+ provided me a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm pretty sure Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty was the first graphic novel I picked up when they started to gain popularity amongst my students. I loved it, and I loved this one, too.

Darius is having a pretty rotten go of things: his mom was shot and killed, his family is facing eviction, and his best friend keeps digging them into trouble. When his little sister tags along on a get-rich-quick-scheme-turned-escape-run, Darius discovers several things about himself and the world around him. The pacing is frantic, the artwork appropriately dark and sharp, and the dialogue drives the story and feels authentic.

About my only complaint is that Cissy read a little young for me--I kept thinking she was 7 or 8 instead of 11. Regardless, it's absolutely going in my school library.

[Michelle Tuite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading 2025
Book 25: Safe Passage by G. Neri

Picked up this graphic novel for teen readers after seeing the newest Texas Maverick list. Plus it’s a G. Neri book, I will read all of his books, after loving Ghetto Cowboy.

Synopsis: In this stand-alone companion to bestselling and highly acclaimed Yummy, Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author G. Neri returns with an epic journey across the South Side of Chicago for Darius, his little sister Cissy, and his best friend Booger as they set out to find an armored truck that has lost a payload of cash.

Review: Wooo, this is a harrowing story of one bad thing after another happening to the three kids in this story. A cautionary tale of what can happen when you don’t listen to your well-intentioned parents, and mix that with social media. An already dangerous situation turned from bad to worse and the worse again. YIKES!!!! My rating 4.25⭐️.

[Connie T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darius and his little sister live on the gritty south side of Chicago. Their mother was killed in a drive by shooting a year ago and their father, a veteran, is trying to hold the family together but he's lost his job and the family is facing eviction. When Darius's friend, Booger, tells him a Brinks armored car crashed on the highway and money is everywhere, they decide to head across town to claim some of the cash. Little sister ends up tagging along. Things don't go well, especially because Booger insists on uploading videos of their escapades to make a name for himself. Things get ugly but there's a positive ending that serves as a wakeup call for Darius.

Gun violence, gangs, homelessness.

[Chris G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a ten block walk to school for Darius and younger sister Cissy, but their route cuts across the territories of four different gangs. That’s why their step-father and others in the community have created “safe passages,” so kids can get to school without fear of recruitment or harassment. Older friend Booger’s get rich quick scheme lures Darius (followed by Cissy) away from school and on a perilous journey. An illustrated novel in the tradition of Yummy. The earc I read jumbled the images and words, but it looks like the format is compelling. EARC from Edelweiss.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in the Southside of Chicago is challenging for 15 year old Darius and his family…poverty, gangs, overcrowded classrooms, etc. Although his stepfather has given explicit instructions about how to maneuver to and from school, Darius chose to take the alternate route, which leads to a world of problems.

This book provides a front row seat to how serious life is in Chi-raq. I believe it would be an interesting buddy read for young adults and their parents. I would like to thank @hearourvoicestours, the authors and publisher for allowing me to be a part of this book tour.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darius is the troubled diamond in the rough, Charles is the kid with short-term plans but no long-term strategy, and Cissy holds them all accountable.

The meat of the story is trouble. Skipping school, messing with volatile gangs, guns, money-making schemes, trouble with the police, and more. So much trouble that it was painful to read: the kind of trouble that has me cringing as I turn the page.

In the end, though, the bonds of friends and family hold pretty strong. As does Cissy. And there's a decent through-line of taking responsibility for your f*ck-ups.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful graphic novel. I didn’t know about the existence of Safe Passage until picking up this book, so I’m glad the author is raising awareness of it. The prominence of gangs in the area of Chicago is well-known, but I appreciate that they are made real in this work, because it brings the reader into a world that most of us are not a part of and gives us the necessary perspective to understand the need for change and programs like SP. The author doesn’t shy away from harsh realities but also balances it with wisdom and hope that things can get better.

[May-Ling · Rating 4 out of 5]

i wish this was in color. neri captures how fraught the neighborhoods are for darius, cissy and booger. for an adult reading this story, it's extremely stressful because these are just kids. unfortunately, in this environment, booger's cocky approach has life or death consequences for them all. this for sure dates me, but it brought me back to that 90s movie judgment day, where guys are being chased through a crime-ridden neighborhood. this isn't that, but you feel they might encounter danger on any corner when they are just trying to walk home.

[Starr ❇✌❇ · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW: gun violence & gang warfare, kidnapping, police brutality & racism

This was a tough read for me, and the dread I felt every time I opened it made it take a lot longer to get through. I thought the concept was really interesting, and J stand by that, but for me it didn't do much with it but explore the same area of gang violence and danger over and over again. The ending was really unsatisfying, I don't think it matched the level of severity the rest of the story had.

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Neri describes Darius, Booger, and Cis’ thoughts and interactions, Brame’s black and white drawings capture what they experience growing up in their poverty filled, gang infested neighborhoods rife with homelessness, joblessness, and hopelessness. Read more about this book on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly powerful book that will show the truth of life for many kids living in urban areas. The artwork is well-done, and the story is engaging. Definitely worth reading! 5 stars

YA Graphic novel

2024
BAM featured author
Purchased from ThriftBooks
52 book 8 - set in autumn
Pop - book under 250 pages
CYBILS award for YA Graphic Novel 2024

[Anita White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from first chapter that I couldn’t put it down. I was on the edge of my seat seeing if they was going to find some money 😂😂. Now Darius started off with hate in the beginning but after this adventure I’m glad he found the love in his heart for his family 🥹.

[Anniee Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I loved this book so much. I am from Chicago and the way the author has articulated the story on these pages will have you thinking you're on the streets of Chicago as well. I loved the illustration and the demonstration of this story. I highly recommend