The Leaving RoomGospel is the Keeper of the Leaving Room a place all young people must phase through when they die. The young are never ready to leave; they need a moment to remember and a Keeper to help their wispy souls along. When a random door opens and a Keeper named Melodee arrives, their souls become entangled. Gospel's seriousness melts and Melodee's fear of connection fades, but still are Keepers allowed to fall in love? Now they must find a way out of the

"-- Publishers Weekly

as Alice juggles an overprotective mom

they decide to celebrate together

and cities to burn

In the beginning of the 20th century

How the Word Is Passed illustrates how some of our country's most essential stories are hidden in plain view--whether in places we might drive by on our way to work

But Karina has deadly aspirations of her own

These topics have only become more urgent in recent years

subverting conventional historical narratives with little-known stories about the experiences of Black Americans

while beat poet Anita Hopkins believes the teachings of Malcolm X with all her heart: that the way to true freedom is "by any means necessary

especially youth of color

Fannie Lou Hamer to Sam Cooke