This book was just a tad long-winded at times and I feel editing down it's length would have been an improvement. For a young adult contemporary, this is a pretty long book (with small text too!! what the heck!!) and I think many scenes could have been condensed to still hold the same value.

While I loved Mark Oshiro's dialogue, characterization, and plot construction, I do feel there is room to be more concise with his writing. The diverse elements of these characters do not feel 'shoe-horned' in at all and I was so pleased with the natural vibe of the story. It is so well rounded and so wonderful! I will be honest that at times I was confused by the secondary characters because this book follows a HUGE group of friends, but at the same time, they did have their distinctive traits (if the dichotomy of these two contrasting details makes any sense.) I do wish these side characters did have stronger individual story lines, but nonetheless, for the size of the cast, I do feel they were all authentic and well-fleshed out.

There are gay characters (own voices!), trans characters, non-binary characters, bisexual/biromantic characters, asexual characters, black characters, Latinx characters (own voices!), Muslim characters, undocumented characters, disabled characters. An absolute must read for fans of stories of teen activists.ĬW: racism, assault, violence, police brutality, murder/deathĪnger Is A Gift features such a diverse cast of characters to the point where I don't believe I can list them all and I am so down for more books with this trait. When tensions hit a fever pitch and tragedy strikes, Moss must face a difficult choice: give in to fear and hate or realize that anger can actually be a gift.Ĥ.5 Stars! I really really loved this book. There are gay characters, trans characters, non-binary characters, bisexual/biromantic characters, asexual characters, Black characters, Latinx characters, Muslim characters, undocumented characters, characters with disabilities.

This is the story of a diverse student body. Despite their youth, the students decide to organize and push back against the administration. Constant intimidation and Oakland Police Department stationed in their halls. Now, in his sophomore year of high school, Moss and his fellow classmates find themselves increasingly treated like criminals by their own school. Along with losing a parent, the media's vilification of his father and lack of accountability has left Moss with near crippling panic attacks. Six years ago, Moss Jefferies' father was murdered by an Oakland police officer.

Mark oshiro anger is a gift