Come Home Safe (Hardcover)
Staff Reviews
We’ve seen it so often in the news; people of color, such as Philandro Castile and George Floyd, confronted by police who respond to “potential danger” with deadly force. Author Brian Buckmire uses his experiences as a NYC Public Defense Attorney to craft a story for teens, as well as adults, who want to better understand social justice and the truths and pain of growing up as a person of color in America.
It’s not every adolescent person of color whose dad is a public defender, teaching his children how to invoke their rights and how to safely handle potential police encounters. When 14 year old Reed and his 12 year old sister are accused of a crime they did not commit, they must bury their indignation, and remember what their father has taught them, in order to “come home safe!” In my opinion, this is an excellent book to use as a conversation piece with your own adolescent, to better understand the America of today, and maybe fight to make change!
-Virgie
Check out the audiobook!
— From Mimetic March Staff Picks Part II
Description
Dad, I just want to know how to not become a hashtag. In this gripping read, biracial siblings Reed and Olive hadn't planned on navigating racial inequality or being roughed up by police on the subway, but as they face the truths and pains of being a person of color, they also lean into knowing their rights and fostering conversations about change and acceptance.
"In Come Home Safe, Brian Buckmire has crafted a story that looks the reality of police brutality in the eye and still manages to come away with hope. It is a powerful book about the necessity of 'the talk' and what it means to be a teenager in our times."--New York Times bestselling author and ABC News anchor Linsey Davis
On the subway ride home, Reed just wants to watch videos of his soccer idol, but reality crashes in when police officers question him about a suspect who matches his description. With tact and poise, Reed defends himself, but ultimately knows there is no easy way out of this conflict.
At a caf , a woman accuses Olive of stealing her phone and demands to see it. Startled and indignant, Olive watches as the crowd forms and does nothing to help, even as the woman attempts to weaponize the police against her.
This read will keep you on the edge of your seat as each teen asks themself: What should I do? What can I do? What's going to get me home safe?
Come Home Safe is perfect for:
- Fans of contemporary fiction and true-to-life stories
- Youth and middle graders interested in social justice, societal change, and navigating police brutality
- Parents, teachers, and school librarians looking to start a conversation about politics, racism, or have "the talk" with their teens and middle schoolers
- Anyone looking to better understand the sociopolitical climate in America today
- Young adult readers of Angie Thomas, Nic Stone, Ibi Zoboi, and Jason Reynolds
- Black, brown, or marginalized families who wish to open a conversation about how to live in a world that only sees the color of their skin
From ABC News legal analyst and NYC Legal Aid Society public defender Brian Buckmire, this compelling story draws from real-life advice, lessons, and conversations with attorneys, law enforcement, and the wrongfully accused to help turn the whispers and family discussions about racial inequality and mistreatment into wider conversations, healing, and one day ... change.
