Hi all!

Today I am back for Day #8 of the Black Resilience Booksta Challenge. I explained all the rules in my first post here. I’m hoping this will inspire other readers to read, review and amplify more black voices. Feel free to join me! You can refer to the template below.

I chose Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles for Day #8, because it is an incredible young adult, black novel that all age groups should read. Stories like these remind those of us with white skin, that we are enormously privileged and should be using our societal advantages to dismantle systemic racism, however we can.

When Marvin Johnson’s twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along, to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun, turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid. The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it’s up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Watching his mother unravel, whilst mourning a brother who has become a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean.

I’ve read a few books about police brutality but this one hit so hard. It was raw and impossible to ignore. It hurt knowing this has always been and continues to be, a reality. As the cover says: My brother is not your hashtag. We forget that when tragedy strikes a family of colour, they are glorified on social media to alleviate our own white guilt. We still have so much more work to do. Prepare to cry. This is not just a story. It happens every single day.

Order a copy here.

Thank you so much for reading, I will see you next time for Day #9!

Peace & Love xoxo