This is My America
This is My America is a young adult novel by Kim Johnson, published July 28, 2020 by Random House Children's Books, that explores injustices in the United States' justice system.
Author | Kim Johnson |
---|---|
Language | English |
Publisher | Random House Children's Books |
Publication date | July 28, 2020 |
Pages | 416 |
ISBN | 978-0-593-11878-8 |
Reception
This is My America received positive reviews from multiple entities, including starred reviews from Kirkus, who called the book "Harrowing and worthwhile; a call-to-action from the anti-racist insights of a generation of Black activists,"[1] as well as from Publishers Weekly, who claimed, "Activist Johnson's powerful debut is a timely testimony that echoes the social realities behind today's #BlackLivesMatter protests."[2] Nic Stone said the book gives "[a]n incredible and searing examination of the often-tragic collision of racism and a flawed criminal justice system."[3] Paste Magazine said the book "promises a powerful story about racial injustice."[4] The School Library Journal called it a "strong debut"[3] and Shelf Awareness named it "an incisive condemnation of the racist criminal justice system, mass incarceration and capital punishment. . . . A necessary add to all shelves, especially those focused on anti-racism and #BlackLivesMatter.”[5] NPR named it Book of the Year.[3]
The book also received the following accolades:
- Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction Nominee (2020)[6]
- American Library Association (ALA) Best Fiction for Young Adults (2021)[7][8]
- ALA Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults (2021)[9]
- Rise: A Feminist Book Project List (2021)[10]
References
- "This is My America". Kirkus Reviews. 2020-05-03. Retrieved 2021-09-17.
- March Soloway, Jennifer (2020-07-16). "Children's Book Review: This Is My America by Kim Johnson". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- "This Is My America by Kim Johnson". Penguin Randomhouse. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- Smith, Eric (2019-12-12). "Exclusive Cover Reveal + Excerpt: A Teen's Brother Is Accused of Murder in This Is My America". Paste Magazine. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- Diaz, Shelley. "Shelf Awareness for Readers for Friday, July 31, 2020". Shelf Awareness. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- "This Is My America". Goodreads. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- "2021 Best Fiction for Young Adults". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). 2021-01-14. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- Lam, Anna (2021-01-15). "YALSA names 2021 Best Fiction for Young Adults". American Library Association. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- "2021 Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults". Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). 2021-01-04. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- "2021 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List". American Library Association. 2021-02-10. Retrieved 2021-09-18.