This is a novel filled with hard questions, right or wrong, and the outcomes of bad or good decisions. Skylar is the main character and also slightly weak in the novel. She will likely not be the readers' favorite character, but she certainly isn't a horrible person. She has a boyfriend, Jimmy, who always appeared to love her and helped her through her mother's death. However, Jimmy is also capable to committing crimes, particularly against a certain race. Skylar has to decide whether or not to tell the police or the judge, about Jimmy's actions.
Sean is Jimmy's best friend. He, too, is not the best character one could hope for. He knows about what Jimmy did as well, but doesn't want to get his best friend in trouble. However, Jimmy's act of hate and violence cannot be kept under wraps forever.
The characters in this book and the events are somewhat sad and depressing. However, the book may teach an important moral lesson to those who wish to listen. The ending will be better than the reader expected, satisfying. This book is recommended for young adult/teen readers.
Everybody knows, nobodyβs talking. . . .Seventeen-year-old
Skylar Thompson is being questioned by the police. Her
boyfriend, Jimmy, stands accused of brutally assaulting two
young El Salvadoran immigrants from a neighboring town, and
sheβs the prime witness. Skylar is keeping quiet about what
sheβs seen, but how long can she keep it up?Β But Jimmy was
her savior. . . .When her mother died, he was the only
person who made her feel safe, protected from the world. But
when she begins to appreciate the enormity of what has
happened, especially whenΒ Carlos Cortez, one of the victims,
steps up to demand justice, she starts to have second
thoughts about protecting Jimmy. Jimmyβs accomplice, Sean,
is facing his own moral quandary. Heβs out on bail and has
been offered a plea in exchange for testifying against
Jimmy. The truth must be told. . . .Sean must decide whether
or not to turn on his friend in order to save himself. But
most important, both he and Skylar need to figure out why
they would follow someone like Jimmy in the first place.
No excerpt available.
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