Burning Up

Reach for this book when your teenager begins to question the social dynamics of your neighborhood or expresses confusion about how past prejudices continue to shape the present. It is a powerful tool for navigating the unsettling moment when a young person realizes that people they love and admire, such as grandparents or community leaders, may hold views or histories that conflict with modern values of equality. The story follows fifteen year old Macey as she investigates a decades old mystery in her affluent town, uncovering a hidden history of racial exclusion. It deals with heavy themes of systemic racism and grief with honesty and integrity. While the subject matter is serious, it serves as an excellent catalyst for discussing civic responsibility and the courage required to confront uncomfortable truths within one's own family and community.