Bang! by Sharon Flake

Mann, age 13, and a talented artist lives in a neighborhood where random shootings are the norm. His own family has not escaped, his seven year old brother was shoot dead on the front porch of their home two years ago. His mother and father live with the constant fear of losing their other son yet they don't know what or how they can insure this does not happen. Still reeling in grief his mother bakes a birthday cake each year for his brother. His father grieves by withdrawing his love and support of the emotional feelings of his family. Determined to change Mann from a boy to a man his father leaves him and his friend Kee-lee in some woods where they are to find a way to survive until they make their way home. There is more tragedy before the end of this book but there is also growth and redemption.

Ages: 13 and up

Comments: Readers can enter a real, violent world with real people who live in it everyday. Hope is never lost or abandoned in this gripping and disturbing story.