When You Look Like Us
Pamela N. Harris
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars
4.00
· 12 ratings · 368 pages · Published: 05 Jan 2021
A 2022 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work nominee and a 2022 Edgar Award nominee, this timely, gripping teen novel is about a boy who must take up the search for his sister when she goes missing from a neighborhood where Black girls' disappearances are too often overlooked, from debut author Pamela Harris. Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Tiffany D. Jackson.
When you look like us--brown skin, brown eyes, black braids or fades--everyone else thinks you're trouble. No one even blinks twice over a missing Black girl from public housing because she must've brought whatever happened to her upon herself. I, Jay Murphy, can admit that, for a minute, I thought my sister Nicole just got caught up with her boyfriend--a drug dealer--and his friends. But she's been gone too long. Nic, where are you?
If I hadn't hung up on her that night, she would be at our house, spending time with Grandma.
If I was a better brother, she'd be finishing senior year instead of being another name on a missing persons list.
It's time to step up, to do what the Newport News police department won't.
Bring her home.
Also a 2022 ILA Notable Book for a Global Society Award winner!
Tagged as:
- north america 3
- mystery 3
- realistic 3
- contemporary 3
- usa 3
- virginia 3
- social commentary 2
- family 2
- crime 2
- protagonists of colour 2
- suspense 2
- high-school 2
- romantic love 2
- friendship 2
- poverty 1
- coming of age 1
- drama 1
- law enforcement 1
- Add topics
- format - reader age
- young adult 3
- audiobook 3
- book 1
- content warnings
- racism 2
- substance abuse 1