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Anger Is a Gift

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

55 posts | 39 read | 1 reading | 87 to read

A story of resilience and loss, love and family, Mark Oshiro's Anger Is a Gift testifies to the vulnerability and strength of a community living within a system of oppression Six years ago, Moss Jefferies' father was murdered by an Oakland police officer. Along with losing a parent, the media's vilification of his father and lack of accountability has left Moss with near-debilitating panic attacks. Now in his junior year of high school, Moss and his fellow classmates find themselves increasingly treated like criminals their own school. New rules. Random locker searches. Constant intimidation and Oakland Police Department officers stationed in their halls. Despite their youth, the students decide to organize and push back against the administration. 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. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

The review on the cover says it all: “A beautiful and brutal debut.” I really can‘t think of any better words to say. But, I felt like there were too many characters. I‘m not going to remember some minor character from the very first few pages of the book after 400 pages with no recap. I also felt that the end was very abrupt. Overall, 4⭐️

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

I thought it was kind of interesting that I picked up two YA novels I was thinking of reading and flipped through the first few pages, the tagged book and Like a Love Story by Abdi Nazemian. Both started with a quote from James Baldwin...
Both had compelling first chapters and now I can't decide what to read!

[tagged book]

Like a Love Story

3y

32 likes1 comment

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Meh

so-so

Felt very contrived with a slew of issues - from police brutality to performance based funds at school to undocumented immigrants. I have not heard of military weapons being used by local police at a school, but I acknowledge if it was to happen, it would happen at an urban area of the impoverished and the target would be people of color. Learn your history.

review

Riveted_Reader_Melissa

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

This book was a lot, sometimes it felt like there was just too much in 1 book, 1 story. But although this book frustrated me & made me cry, it did come together, as all these tough issues usually do, because nothing happens in a vacuum. Those that are marginalized tend to support each other, and those capable of using their power over a group tend to cover for each other. Anger is a gift, it means we empathize & can still be outraged at injustices

Riveted_Reader_Melissa #YABuddyRead 3y

TrishB Great review 👍🏻 3y

GondorGirl I have this one on pause right now, because my anxiety wasn't handling it well. Very well written, probably very accurate, but also VERY heavy. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @GondorGirl Yes! It was a tough read for me this week! 3y

52 likes1 stack add4 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

tagged users icon

Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

ravenlee I wish there had been less of the “experimental weapons being tried out on kids” angle because it just felt distracting. There was certainly enough going on for the story to work, and I thought that bit was just too much. 3y

Roary47 I think we all agree that this school needs a new leader who actually cares for the interest of the students. It was heartbreaking that his decisions caused more harm than good. 3y

TheBookHippie I‘m still glad this book exist even with its problems because it needs to exist for the kids whom this is their reality. 3y

See All 8 Comments

megnews @TheBookHippie I agree. If one kid sees themselves in any of these kids, it‘s definitely a help and necessary. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @ravenlee As crazy as that plot line was, it worked for me…because when Reg got hurt I kept thinking that‘s not how metal detectors work….that a weird stretch to make for the story. And when that plot was revealed it made more sense to me, because new scanning devices have to be tested somewhere, why not on poor minority communities who are least likely or able to complain. Sadly it wouldn‘t be the first or last time that‘s happened. 3y

ravenlee @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I get that, but there was just SO MUCH going on! I think that streamlining the story that one bit just might have helped the flow. And the explanation of the detectors didn‘t hinge on the conspiracy including all of the devices. It just felt like a distraction to me. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @ravenlee Yes… I agree there, there was so much going on, some things just felt like a huge distraction from main plot….so many little things. 3y

JaclynW @TheBookHippie My thoughts exactly. It was good to see some representation here. 3y

26 likes8 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

tagged users icon

Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

ravenlee They all forget/ignore that they serve the public rather than vice versa. None of them like to be told they are accountable to anyone. Toxic masculinity, toxic power structures. These guys always rise because they enable the ones like Daley who want to feel powerful and unimpeachable. (edited) 3y

megnews Everything @ravenlee said! 3y

TheBookHippie Welcome to my town. 3y

See All 9 Comments

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @ravenlee Yep! 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @TheBookHippie Sadly too many towns! Really all the towns. The old boys network still promotes those that go along & protects each other. Lots of complaints of police brutality, he can train the new recruits (Chauvin) OR let them resign & just move to a new town & start over again doing the same thing (I swear when they someday track all of that it will look worse than the Catholic Priest Scandal of just moving them somewhere new to abuse again) 3y

Butterfinger They are the high school bullies. It makes me so mad. 3y

JaclynW @Butterfinger They seriously are!!! Almost all of the ones I know are!! It is the craziest thing! 3y

JaclynW @ravenlee Agreed!! @megnews @thebookhippie YES!! TOO MANY TOWNS. 3y

JaclynW @ravenlee Agreed!! @megnews @thebookhippie YES!! TOO MANY TOWNS. 3y

21 likes9 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

tagged users icon

Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

ravenlee Officer Hull is out of control and doesn‘t answer to anyone at the school, which makes him even more dangerous. That escalates when the other police come in and Daley says as much to the AP. Principal Elliot doesn‘t care about the students, obviously, but the school nurse should have a list of students with medical conditions. I remember eons ago that we weren‘t supposed to have any meds on our person, but the nurse couldn‘t dispense painkillers. 3y

megnews @ravenlee First of all, this mandatory one way entrance with no ramp (for the metal detectors) is a civil rights violation so he should have provided an alternative. But he obviously doesn‘t care. This officer should have never been allowed to be an officer with his attitude let alone on school property. The whole “solution” seemed like overkill in response to the problems. (edited) 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews we have one asshole school cop I have dealt with regularly. I personally don‘t think they belong in our schools but no one seems to care- in certain schools that they do whatever they want. And there‘s nothing you can do. It is. 3y

See All 11 Comments

megnews @TheBookHippie definitely agree. Cops don‘t belong in schools. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews what‘s sad is if schools know they belong to a mentor group or organization that takes no shit it‘s a bit better. I‘ve been told oh sorry miss Christine didn‘t know it was one of your kids. There is so much wrong with that it‘s exasperating. 3y

ravenlee @megnews I had a real problem with the explanation from the AP later on that the police were looking for an excuse to install/institute these programs at the school. That seemed like sloppy storytelling to me, making the cops bigger villains when they were already bad enough! But the conspiracy theory angle bothered me. 3y

ravenlee @TheBookHippie “So, you‘re trying to prey only on the weak and unprotected? That‘s so much better!” 3y

TheBookHippie @ravenlee 🤦🏻‍♀️ 3y

megnews @ravenlee that quote-exactly! 3y

Butterfinger What @Riveted_Reader_Melissa said earlier resource officers are there supposedly to protect, yet they are the disciplinarians. I do see it in my school. 3y

JaclynW There are better ways to deal with issues at schools. Why is it that people are so quick to slap on the “cop“ bandaid?? I don't get it. That should be last resort. Kids need mentors, counselors, people who care and look after their interests (advocates). Police are often not that. If they could be more like that.... 3y

16 likes11 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

tagged users icon

Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

ravenlee I have a really rocky relationship with the pledge. I HATE that it‘s taught by rote to children too young to understand the words of it, let alone the intent. Most kids don‘t understand it at all, but it becomes part of their ingrained culture and is accepted completely uncritically. I, personally, leave out the “under God” when I do recite it, because I‘ve given it serious thought and made it work for me. (Cont) 3y

ravenlee I have friends (other homeschoolers) who‘ve chosen to start every day with the pledge and are raising their kids to believe that flag and country are second only to Jesus. That scares me, TBH. They were just recently joking (not joking) about how great Singapore is because there are consequences (caning) for infractions of respect for one‘s country. 😳 3y

ravenlee But back to the point, I like that Rawiya chose to sit when confronted with the principal‘s bigotry. It was the only option she really had, being the disempowered person in the interaction. That principal is a real piece of…work. 3y

See All 12 Comments

Roary47 We do the pledge. I hate it because of the controversy it causes. We are trying to teach our students to have a voice and advocate for themselves and this is done. I pledge to the flag and I stand in silence for those who died for my freedom. I told my students on day one if they could stand. Some do some don‘t. Some take off their hats some don‘t. I don‘t press or force because again they advocate for themselves. (edited) 3y

megnews @ravenlee @Roary47 I‘m assuming these friends think our country is great because of democracy. The disconnect many have between that and thinking consequences for “disrespect of country” are great is astounding to me. The thrill I get from the pledge or national anthem is because of what it says we are supposed to be and not necessarily are yet. It‘s for the fact that we have the freedom of dissent. After the George Floyd killing our HS ⬇️ 3y

megnews ⬆️athletes were told they couldn‘t sit for the anthem. My daughter is Black and white. I‘m her white parent who‘s always stood for it. But I sat it out in her place. It‘s reduced to nothing without that right. 3y

ravenlee @Roary47 I love that you empower your students that way. It should absolutely have some personal meaning, one way or another. @megnews I like the way you put that, what we should be. I get really emotional for the anthem and even the pledge, and I chalk it up to having served in the military/raised as a milbrat/being a milwife. I honor my fellow service members, while honoring the right we‘ve fought for to allow everyone their own beliefs. 3y

megnews @ravenlee I get that way too. My dad was a Marine and he‘s unfortunately a Trump supporter but I recall as a kid seeing people burning the flag in protest (maybe about our involvement in Libya?) and he explained that‘s the freedom the military fights for. Colin Kapernack (so?) even got his kneeling for the anthem from a vet. So when people say it‘s a slap in the face to vets I beg to differ. ⬇️ (edited) 3y

megnews ⬆️also, regarding the pledge/anthem, we have to recognize our experience is vastly different from other Americans with less privilege. 3y

Butterfinger Ironically, that was my first reading lesson this week. We broke it down and the majority of the discussion centered around "indivisible". The students had great insight about how the pledge says we should not separate, but my fifth graders could give examples of how there is still separation of groups. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger great lesson! I think it‘s great for those who choose to do it without being coerced to do so with critical thinking. 3y

JaclynW @ravenlee I also have a rocky relationship with the pledge/flag and anything under the “patriotic“ name. It has seemed to have gotten so perverted lately. And things that I see as patriotic- like kneeling in protest, peacefully protesting on the streets, speaking up for rights, etc. - others see as disrespectful. I cannot look at a flag the same way when, to me, these people are idolizing a “thing“ and not the ideas behind it/what it really means. 3y

15 likes12 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

tagged users icon

Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

ravenlee The Millers want to be involved but only if the actions aren‘t too extreme. They buy into the idea that activism has to fit into the establishment or else it‘s inviting backlash (which would then be deserved). My understanding is that the best way to be an ally is to be supportive not take over, ask what would be most helpful and listen to the answer rather than doing what I think is best. 3y

Roary47 I think @ravenlee is right. Really in any situation ask how to help and support. 3y

megnews @ravenlee @Roary47 I agree. Ask how you can help. Amplify others‘ voices. I think it‘s important to recognize solutions that you think would work may not. For instance Mrs Miller felt she could trust telling the principal and nothing bad would happen because she has the privilege of that experience. But she had no clue how it would turn out when the school/police were dealing with people different from her. 3y

See All 17 Comments

ravenlee Mrs Miller‘s misstep is similar to the AP‘s error in thinking he was going to be heralded as some sort of hero for finally doing something. The white savior thing - how awesome am I for coming to the rescue, how much is everyone going to love me for all the effort I‘m making… 3y

TheBookHippie @ravenlee oy white savior. @megnews in our town you cannot bring black and brown kids to one of the hospitals -a new white employee this summer didn‘t know that and did it when a girl was dehydrating. She experienced what she thought didn‘t exist, she also didn‘t listen when the kids told her. She was so upset and was telling me why don‘t you tell someone to fix it. I told her we don‘t use that hospital we drive out of town to use the ⬇️ 3y

TheBookHippie Other hospital. There are battles we don‘t fight . You have to listen. You have to realise you don‘t know what you do know. You have to follow and you cannot say what‘s best because you don‘t know. Advocate is to fix -ally is to walk along side and listen without “you” or ego in any part of it, and act accordingly and don‘t doubt truth. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews I get that a lot “but it‘s the cops, principal, nurse, doctor” etc they think these folks are helpers. 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie that is outrageous about the hospital!!!! Burns me up 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie yeah, I was taught the police are our friends. I told my oldest daughter (white) that. But my younger two, who‘s dad is black did not learn that. And my son definitely hasn‘t experienced that. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews It is. I have other fish to fry so to speak. I hope someday someone chooses this for their battle. I have to keep my kids safe, so I do. Sometimes it‘s all you can do. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews I was taught to go to a fireman . I was taught there is a fine line between good and evil and cops walk the line dipping over to both sides depending on the occasion. 3y

ravenlee @TheBookHippie that is a truly horrible situation. “Someone” should definitely do something, but when you‘re in the midst of a medical crisis is decidedly NOT the time. And I can‘t imagine trying to force a change and then have to trust the medical care I‘d receive in the immediate aftermath. 3y

TheBookHippie @ravenlee Exactly. It‘s not my battle to fight. 3y

Butterfinger I like what @ravenlee says. Be supportive without taking over. They are blind to their privilege and they still never owned up to what they did. 3y

JaclynW @TheBookHippie Wait! What??!! Yikes! That is shocking to me about the hospital thing. I don't understand that. But it is clearly someone's reality. How sad. That makes me so angry. Those types of people are supposed to be the helpers of EVERYONE. That is just sick. So disappointing. 3y

JaclynW @ravenlee @megnews Yes! I agree with what you said. Asking, listening and doing what was asked. 3y

TheBookHippie @JaclynW Ha. Just another day in my town. 3y

14 likes17 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

tagged users icon

Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

ravenlee Esperanza‘s in an uncomfortable position of appearing as a POC but having the lived experience of a privileged white upbringing. I think it raises the expectation that she understands/has lived what Moss and the other friends have been through (she believes this, too). I wonder if Oshiro is making the implication that part of the Millers‘ (subconscious) desire for “street cred” is also why they adopted a child of color (cont) 3y

ravenlee As in, “look how liberal we are, we live in Oakland and we adopted a brown baby! We couldn‘t possibly be racist!” 3y

megnews @ravenlee there are so many children who need adopted and so many families looking for children that I hate to say not to adopt interracially. However it think there has to be a commitment to understanding the issues POC face that people with privilege do not and also an understanding that you will never completely get it because you don‘t live it. Her parents seemed beyond clueless. 3y

See All 18 Comments

ravenlee @megnews I think you‘re right. It takes extra awareness, sensitivity, and effort to be a non-POC parent of a POC child. The Millers really don‘t have it - as Esperanza said, everything she‘d learned about her birth culture was done on her own. 3y

megnews @ravenlee and that‘s such a shame. There‘s so many ways to ensure interaction with other cultures. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I think the author was making a point here, no matter how she is raised at home, it won‘t change how she‘s treated on the street. And sadly, her parents (who seem to be away a lot) didn‘t prepare her for that. As woke as they seem to want to be, no matter what schools they pay to sent her too, the police coming across her will treat her a different way based on how she looks, and in this day and age her parents should have known enough to have⤵️ 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa “The talk” with her. Hearing her backstory though, I couldn‘t help but think of all those children separated at border and put up for adoption after their parents were arrested and/or deported. Who will never know their true background or heritage…so sad. 😞 3y

Butterfinger If they seemed like they were willing to learn. Shut up and listen. And I think that is what Moss needed from Esperanza at the time. She took charge of the planning and she didn't even attend the school. 3y

megnews @Butterfinger I agree. In different aspects of life we often jump to advice and action, when what the affected person needs is someone to just be there. 3y

JaclynW @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Yes, I thought about that too. How sad not to know your background. But really, do any of us? My family doesn't talk much about that. It makes me curious now. 3y

JaclynW @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Yes, I thought about that too. How sad not to know your background. But really, do any of us? My family doesn't talk much about that. It makes me curious now. 3y

JaclynW @ravenlee @megnews @butterfinger @riveted_reader_melissa That is a good point that it is very difficult for non-POC to raise POC. My guess is that most people are well-intentioned when they adopt. But they have a lack of awareness about how important it is for the child to know where they came from (I would say this includes any color of person). That helps us all make sense of our world. Non-POC definitely don't always “get“ what it is -> 3y

JaclynW @ravenlee @megnews @butterfinger @riveted_reader_melissa That is a good point that it is very difficult for non-POC to raise POC. My guess is that most people are well-intentioned when they adopt. But they have a lack of awareness about how important it is for the child to know where they came from (I would say this includes any color of person). That helps us all make sense of our world. Non-POC definitely don't always “get“ what it is -> 3y

JaclynW like to live in another person's shoes (especially from another race). It would take a lot of effort to even come close. Any effort towards understanding, immersing and teaching should be applauded and any effort to push it aside and hide it should not occur. I like that this book pointed this issue out. It does make you think. It made me think about the parent's motives for adopting a POC. I like books that make me think, this one did. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @JaclynW I think adoption is great, but as well meaning as Esperanza‘s parents were, even moving into the right neighborhood so she‘d have a chance to make friends, but put her into a “safer” school ….they seemed pretty clueless in other ways. Since it wasn‘t Esperanza‘s school at all, I thought their interference was even worse. It would have made more else sense for them to interfere if it was her school. I felt like they needed a better ⤵️ 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ education there….if only parenthood came with educational stuff. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ⬆️ no matter the race 3y

JaclynW @Riveted_Reader_Melissa True to that!! 3y

13 likes18 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

tagged users icon

Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

ravenlee Moss really shows the lasting, lifelong effects of trauma, how it doesn‘t just “get better.” I appreciated how he still has a counselor (but only monthly?), which was a good contrast to our last read. I loved the way his mom and closest friends know his issues and his tells, and can work with him through his attacks. My favorite coping mechanism was the mental Rolodex. (edited) 3y

Roary47 His support system is huge for his success. I found it impressive that he was able to lock himself to the pole, and glad he had a counselor. The is a strong kid though to go through so much trauma and still willing and brave enough to fight for change. 3y

megnews @ravenlee @Roary47 was it Esperanza on the train with him in the opening of the book? I thought it was great that friend was so in tune to things that caused him anxiety or when he was experiencing it. 3y

See All 8 Comments

TheBookHippie @megnews yes. I see kids I work with do that daily we had a girl in our summer program with similar issues and the other kids all knew how to help her cope that were in her group. Because they get it. 3y

ravenlee @megnews @TheBookHippie This kind of anxiety wasn‘t well known when I was in school, but it reminds me of kids who were asthmatic or diabetic, and the lucky ones had that one good friend who knew where the inhaler was, or the blood sugar test kit, and could help their friend through the process if they were out of sorts. 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie @ravenlee it‘s so great kids can watch out for each other like that. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa I thought the author handled the long term effects of trauma so well in this book, and why mental health and mental health counseling is so important…it really needs to be available to everyone & unstigmatized. I wish with all the issues the author did cram in the space of this book, there‘d also been a line about the need for free & available mental health care…. I couldn‘t help thinking that was why his mom got a postal job, better healthcare. 3y

Butterfinger @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @TheBookHippie @Roary47 @ravenlee I loved the idea of the Rolodex and it broke my heart when he couldn't bring up a new memory of his father. The support system he had was great. Even his teacher was a great support. Not the principal who premeditated the violence. Made me so mad. I also want to say how I saw a connection between this book and #400Souls. Each soul has a name. 3y

14 likes8 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

It‘s time for #YABuddyRead discussion. Join when you can.
Questions from bookbrowse.com

tagged users icon

Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

ravenlee I was angry but I was also hopeless and nauseated much of the time. I can see the argument that anger can motivate, but it‘s hard to put into practice. 3y

Roary47 I don‘t really know what to say because I felt angry and even appalled at how this school handled “problems”. Kids are going to fight they are going to be rebellious, but why the police? Why is this town tolerating the police? Why has nothing been done sooner? Why are the kids fighting and not the adults? Why do they even have to? So many questions and upset. I completely understand why the students had enough. 3y

megnews Ravenlee @roary47 I felt anger and is there a word for the opposite of shocked? Police using deadly force, particularly among certain communities is not even a surprise anymore and that feels frustrating and hopeless. I can see anger being motivating as well but at what cost? Taking away from school time and “normal” life? High blood pressure? Headaches? Pain? Anxiety? None of which is good for physical health. 3y

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mrp27 I haven‘t finished this book yet and to be honest I‘m not entirely sure I will as I‘m struggling to get through it. It‘s a good story but for whatever reasons it‘s just not ringing true and the voices don‘t feel authentic to me. 3y

megnews @mrp27 at the risk of saying this and making people mad, I had some issues with the book. When I was a teen, you first starting seeing a gay character on a tv show and it was controversial. Then for a while it seemed writers wrote a gay character in most shows and it seemed forced or unnatural. Now if there‘s a gay character it just flows naturally. The friend group seemed unauthentic to me in this way. It‘s unlikely a group of school friends ⬇️ 3y

megnews ⬆️ would cover so much diversity within sexual and gender orientation. Maybe in San Fran but I still don‘t think so. My kids went to school in a town nicknamed Ohio‘s San Francisco and there was diversity but not like this. And in many places kids are still going to be a bit alone in their differences so again the group didn‘t seem realistic and I also felt it detracted from what I thought the book was getting at. Meaning the book was trying to ⬇️ (edited) 3y

megnews ⬆️do too much. 🤷🏻‍♀️ just my opinion 3y

mrp27 @megnews I hear what you‘re saying and I think you hit it on the head for me. It‘s too perfectly diverse. Just feels like there was a check list the author was working off of instead of just writing a authentic story. (edited) 3y

TheBookHippie When this book came out in ARC form I was glad. I think a lot of people think this doesn‘t exist. Around here if you aren‘t white and straight you are “other” and a lot of the kids form groups because they are all other. So although this was a lot. I have seen it IRL. (edited) 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie yeah, I get what you‘re saying it‘s possible. But it seemed forced in the book to me I guess. 3y

TheBookHippie @megnews I think anytime you write this and it isn‘t you it rings inauthentic. It is very hard to nuance. I‘m in it everyday and I could never put in words that rang true what it is for this to be your life. Even with three decades in. 3y

ravenlee @megnews @mrp27 @TheBookHippie I wasn‘t sure about the diversity either, and it did kind of feel like an LGBTQ+ checklist - but the characters themselves felt very real, so it ended up working for me. I have seen groups of “other” kids coming together, so I can see how they might all have found one another. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @megnews I understand that complaint, and I felt that way in the beginning too, like there was a list of characters who needed to be included. LGBTQIA, need to have a character to reflect each of those, and someone handicapped, and Muslim with Islamic prejudices, and undocumented immigrants, and police violence, and school to prison pipelines, and police retaliation, and the history of peaceful protests and military equipment making it‘s way ⤵️ 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ into police department to be used on our own citizens in peace times, and a police coverup story, and a drunk driver side story, and how kids get into gangs story, and a gentrification story, and an adoption by another races parents story, and a white savior story….and I‘m sure I missed some. It almost felt like he forgot to add a require joe character, but then he added the friend barber and covered that angle too. So in the beginning I ⤵️ (edited) 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ I felt that way too, but as the story progressed it gelled for me. As @ravenlee said, they were all fleshed out and became real as the story went, not just some extensive checklist anymore…. And as groups start to talk to each other, intersectionality or common cause and interests, formerly “outside” groups are beginning to come together and work together for common cause (like all the disparate but similar stories at the rally about police ⤵️ 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ misuse and abuse). And I think @TheBookHippie is completely right, at least when I was in school, often those people that feel outside the “norm” end up forming their own group, because they get it, they get that outsider feeling and can commiserate or vent together. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa So my feeling reading this book….first wow that‘s a lot, of this is getting much more complex and worse, wait which plot line political issue are emphasizing here, oh all of them, oh it‘s even worse..at least there‘s this light romance story to balance the horribleness of life…something bad‘s going to happen to one of them isn‘t it (I honestly thought it was going to be Moss), then I cried a lot, and put the book down and walked away…then I ⤵️ 3y

TheBookHippie @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Yup. Speaking as an “other” who was taken in by other “others” you‘re exactly right. We formed a family of sorts. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ picked it back up..read a bit more…cried again and put it back down for awhile…then I picked it back up again and read straight through to the end….and in the end it worked for me, because sadly all these issues are real and interconnect regularly in real life. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @TheBookHippie Same here! Handicapped, automatically “othered” by the public school system, and gravitated to the other “others”, because we all need someone to talk to and sit with in the cafeteria. 😉 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Roary47 And I so wish this was outrageous, beyond belief, but so many school have police or “resource officers” now. Ostensibly to protect schools, staff, and students, but in reality arresting children for simply things like a bad attitude that day, or ignoring their teacher…arresting tiny children for what is basically a tantrum, and giving them a record and opinion of the police that they will carry with them forever…in US society it even⤵️ 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa ↪️ has its own name …The School to Prison Pipeline. 3y

ravenlee @Riveted_Reader_Melissa I was thinking last night and realized that Rawiya is the only character in the friend group not defined by her sexuality - she‘s there as the victim of anti-Muslim bigotry, with a really brief aside about her being into punk and not being accepted as punk enough. 3y

Butterfinger @ravenlee @Roary47 @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @TheBookHippie @mrp27 I was right there with all of you. How can there be so many issues to address in one book? But, I realized I don't have any know-how in an urban school so I began to see how different lifestyles would mesh in a meaningful group. As Melissa listed, it wasn't just the lifestyles. It had a fantastical feel to it, but again I acknowledge I am the outlier. I know I don't know. As for the question, yes anger is good. Moss had enough. He has witnessed too much. If more people become angry and sit with a real Moss, think of the power. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @Butterfinger I agree too. I read it somewhere, and it‘s stuck with me….that anger is a gift, because it means you still care, you can still empathize….the alternative is that you are numb to injustice and inequalities. 3y

JaclynW @riveted_reader_melissa @butterfinger I agree that anger is good. I've seen that quote somewhere too and I fully believe it. But it is a fine balance isn't it? Because anger can lead to destruction too. So it is a matter of channeling that anger in progressive ways. Moss's mother was pretty good at this. She had experience. I think this pretty much with any emotion, they all serve a purpose and they all had a “shadow“ side that can do more harm -> 3y

JaclynW @riveted_reader_melissa @butterfinger I agree that anger is good. I've seen that quote somewhere too and I fully believe it. But it is a fine balance isn't it? Because anger can lead to destruction too. So it is a matter of channeling that anger in progressive ways. Moss's mother was pretty good at this. She had experience. I think this pretty much with any emotion, they all serve a purpose and they all had a “shadow“ side that can do more harm -> 3y

JaclynW than good if you aren't careful. A mentor would be nice in this area to help guide your emotions into helpful ways. I felt a lot of emotions while reading this book - mostly sadness, frustration and anger. The issues that were brought into it were heavy. Also, I didn't even consider this book to be chock-full of “check-list“ items, but now that you brought it to my attention, I can see that point. I genuinely believe schools/kids/neighborhoods --> 3y

JaclynW can be/deal with everything mentioned in the book. It didn't seem too far-fetched for me. I do think it highlighted many realities. @megnews @thebookhippie @ravenlee @roary47 @mrp27 3y

JaclynW can be/deal with everything mentioned in the book. It didn't seem too far-fetched for me. I do think it highlighted many realities. @megnews @thebookhippie @ravenlee @roary47 @mrp27 3y

TheBookHippie @JaclynW I think it was pretty real. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa @JaclynW Yes… using your power/or emotions and channeling them for something good is always where it tends to get sticky, right? Because what one person thinks is a useful channel can be harmful to others. 3y

JaclynW @Riveted_Reader_Melissa Yes. I've seen that happen several times. We all have different versions. Sigh. This sometimes makes me feel hopeless. 3y

14 likes33 comments

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Meh

so-so

This was solidly a pick until about 60% in when it felt like the important stuff got derailed for a while. It‘s a really ambitious book and I think maybe a little too much. Reading the author‘s note and seeing it was originally intended as the first of a scifi trilogy, I can see where some of the weapon description probably came from. There‘s a lot of good stuff (I LOVE the friend group), but I have to knock it down a little. #YABuddyRead

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megnews I have some mixed feelings on this one. Looking forward to discussion later today to hear others‘ thoughts 3y

ravenlee @megnews agreed. 3y

Butterfinger I'm so glad I wasn't the only one. It didn't feel real to me. 3y

29 likes3 comments

quote

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

“Njemile gasped in the most dramatic manner possible. ‘Javier! You can‘t just ask someone why they have white parents!‘”

Is that a Mean Girls reference? (disclaimer: I saw part of it once on tv)

Also, Litsy isn‘t letting me edit photos again. Lovely.

megnews I don‘t know. I think I saw that but it didn‘t stick with me. 3y

19 likes1 comment

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

This was between a pick and so-so for me. I‘m looking forward to discussion Saturday.

#YABuddyRead

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

39 likes1 stack add

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

4✨I‘m ashamed of this school for taking such drastic actions to what seems like minor situations. At the high school I work at there was a walk out that kids did and no one got hurt. There is nothing wrong with kids standing up and speaking to injustice they feel and are witnessing. The whole community was also getting their voices silenced by the corrupt police department. There was so many feels my heart just hurts! #YABuddyRead

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blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

My heart hurts. 😭

megnews Yes I didn‘t realize it would be such a tough read. 3y

9 likes1 comment

quote

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

And he cried because his world was split. He'd been cursed by violence and loss. He'd been blessed with love and support. He couldn't separate them, and he had to learn to live with both.

#YABuddyRead @megnews

quote

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Sad but the way they said it was 😂

#YABuddyRead

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Riveted_Reader_Melissa, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Final call! #YABuddyRead discussion Aug 21. If you aren‘t tagged and wish to be let me know

tagged users icon

Peddler410, erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, JaclynW, ravenlee, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

AbigailJaneBlog My copy arrived yesterday - looking forward to this one! 😊 3y

ravenlee Picked it up this week! 3y

Deblovestoread Have my copy. 3y

See All 8 Comments

erzascarletbookgasm 👌 thanks for tagging. I have my copy ready. 3y

Butterfinger I have my copy. 3y

Riveted_Reader_Melissa Tag me too! I just put it on hold. 3y

megnews @Riveted_Reader_Melissa will do 3y

JaclynW I'm starting this tomorrow! 3y

28 likes8 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Reminder: next up for #YABuddyRead. Discussion Saturday 8.21. All welcome. If you aren‘t tagged here and would like to be let me know.

tagged users icon

erzascarletbookgasm, TheBookHippie, mrp27, Deblovestoread, Chrissyreadit, JaclynW, ravenlee, Butterfinger, AbigailJaneBlog, Roary47

TheBookHippie I read this as an arc and have read it with teens but I want to be tagged for discussion 🤍 3y

megnews @TheBookHippie will do 😊 3y

erzascarletbookgasm 👍 thanks for the tag. 3y

32 likes3 comments

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

#doublebookspin January @thearomaofbooks
#BBRC #MiddleGrades #Diversity @librarianryan @Sarahreadstoomuch
While this was a great book and I enjoyed it, I cannot see myself just giving it to middle schoolers to read. (Or at least not those at my school. ) For those who live in this kind of environment by all means yes, let them read it and be able to relate.
This would make a great book club or discussion book in a middle school classroom.

LibrarianRyan humm. I have not heard of this book. 4y

TheAromaofBooks Yay!! 4y

18 likes1 stack add2 comments

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

Glad I read this YA novel, and looking forward to discussing it with some school librarian friends. Oshiro introduced me to beautiful characters who will stay in my heart. Reminded me a little of Adam Silvera‘s work, so not surprised to see a blurb from him featured on the cover. I angled my photo to show off the spine; I love its design. (A spine label would fit perfectly.)

This was my January #doublespin pick for #BookSpinBINGO.

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TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y

Nute Stacking! 4y

25 likes1 stack add2 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

It‘s been a long week, and I‘m ready for a Readathon! I‘ll be working on my #BookSpinBINGO card; I‘m hoping to finish my #doublespin pick (tagged here).

Thanks so much for hosting, @Andrew65 !

cwarnier That was my #doublespin too :)
Great minds think alike. I will not be finishing it up this month. Hopefully sometime though. 4y

Andrew65 Hope you get some great reading in. 4y

Caryl @cwarnier — I did finish! It was quite good. Hope you enjoy it as well! 4y

See All 6 Comments

Nute Looks like some fantastic reading coming up. Yay, Persepolis! Yay, Hood Feminism! Yay, Transcendent Kingdom! Yay, any Billy Collins and any Muriel Spark! Definitely interested in Like Water on Stone and Hey, Kiddo. 4y

Caryl @Nute — Yes, yay!! We have similar taste in books. Hey, Kiddo is fantastic. And I‘m hoping to get to both Transcendent Kingdom and Hood Feminism this month. 4y

Nute I‘ll be in the bookstore at the end of the week. I‘m expecting receipt of a book order...I‘ll snag Hey, Kiddo at the same time. I can‘t wait to read your thoughts on Hood Feminism. Keep me posted!🙂 4y

36 likes6 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Reading Log 2020 (Catching up)
~
And here it is, the bulk of my reading is YA & work related. Fortunately, I enjoy YA.
~
The teens I work with LOVE, LOVE, LOVE “Anger Is a Gift.“ Mark agreed to talk to our group, who prepped with a strong & insightful lit discussion. Mark was so engaging that we forgot to take our Zoom screen shot with them. I would definitely recommend a visit from Mark to anyone who works with teens.

cwarnier I loved the Uglies series (including Extras), and can't wait to start Imposters.
4y

18 likes1 comment

blurb

MargaretPinardAuthor

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Buddy ol‘ pal is here for a cuddle while I start my next buddy read for #Booktube!
#beancat #cuddlyvibes #homefortheholidays #havecatwilltravel

38 likes1 stack add

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

I don‘t think my review will do this book justice. I can‘t believe that this is the author‘s debut novel. It is so heartbreakingly good. Moss is dealing with the death of his father due to the police. He is working through his emotions and panic attacks when he meets Javier and thinks he is so cute. They start to talk and Moss decides he is going to do something about how resource officers treat the kids at his school. But when something 👇🏻

Lovesbooks87 Really bad happens at their walk out Moss is determined to speak out and use his anger to express himself. There were times I was holding my breath at the events that were happening. I feel this book is a must read! 4y

Lovesbooks87 #bookspinbingo free space 23. #bbrc teen angst physical/mental/emotional diversity 4y

40 likes3 stack adds2 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

1. I won't be passing out candy. 😢 I will however, still be eating it. 😛

2. My friend Katie took me to my endoscopy appointment today and got me a present. 🎁 I felt loved.

#ThankfulThursday @Cosmos_Moon @MidnightBookGirl @kimmypete1 @HOTPock3tt @Trashcanman

Cosmos_Moon_River Friends are the best! 4y

32 likes1 comment

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

This book made me ugly-cry. I believe that fiction can be used to impart real-life messages. I grew up being taught that my anger is destructive or a secondary emotion; that I should just accept the things I cannot change as though I never had permission for that particular feeling. This book shows how anger can be used as a force for good and positive change. I think young people should learn this.⬇

Eggbeater "'You gotta grasp on to it, hold it tight and use it as ammunition. You can use that anger to get things done instead of stewing in it.'" 4y

Trashcanman Hi Lili ❤🤗 4y

Eggbeater @Trashcanman Hi George! ❤🤗 How are you? 4y

51 likes2 stack adds3 comments

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

💔 (from the author‘s note)

TheBookHippie Such a good read, stayed with me a long time. 5y

8 likes1 stack add1 comment

quote

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

“'It's like they can't avoid it,' said Kaisha. 'We were literally there to protest against them using deadly force, so they responded with ... deadly force. Incredible'“ (445).

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

Completely floored by this book! Oshiro has created a powerful commentary on the multiple levels police violence and brutality affect communities. The articulate, sensitive character of Moss will stay with me for a long time and his story provides an amazing lesson on how to create something positive from anger. Please read this novel, it is so very important.

quote

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Anger is a gift. Remember that. You gotta grasp on to it, hold it tight and use it as ammunition. You use that anger to get things done instead of just stewing in it. Trust me, y'all.

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Independent Bookstore Day haul! 📚💗📚Plus, I got a free t-shirt and a 20% off coupon for my next visit. 💗 Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

Amazing novel! Mark Oshiro's Anger Is a Gift confronts activism and anger through the lens of Moss, whose experiences with police brutality go back to his father's death as a victim of police violence. His mother, an activist, is an amazing parent who models vulnerability, empathy, and tolerance. (continued in comments)

UnabridgedPod Moss's school initiates random locker searches, which ends with the school police officer assaulting a young woman. When the footage goes viral, the school escalates with metal detectors. In the midst of trauma at school, Moss has a rich social life, filled with supportive friends and a new romance. As Moss's outrage increases, he has to decide how much to involve himself, what risks to take, and how to stand up for himself and his friends 6y

11 likes2 stack adds1 comment

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

At NoVa Teen Book Fest, listening to authors being awesome.

#ya #bookfest #nova

readordierachel Cool! 6y

SkeletonKey @readordierachel - It was fun! 6y

34 likes2 comments

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

“Stop killing us.”
5/5 The story that Mark Oshiro tells through this book was so impactful. I felt every fraction of hope, sadness, and anger that Moss felt as his story progressed. Anger is a Gift holds such truth at the frustrations people of color have as we face oppression. Also, almost every single character is marginalized in some way. I would not hesitate to recommend this one!

Reggie Oh, man, this one shook me when ai read it. Soo good!!! 6y

Tianareadslgbt @Reggie me too!!!! 6y

17 likes1 stack add2 comments

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

5 ⭐️ Can you imagine being a teen and facing this at your school/on the streets of your community? This book belongs alongside The Hate You Give and Dear Martin. It deals with so many horrifying issues that youth grapple with in poor urban neighborhoods. Cont. ⬇️

Carolyn11215 Issues explored: Intimidating police presence in the schools, impact of defunding schools because of poor test scores, use of military weaponry by police force to deal with protesters, cop shootings/murders of unarmed people of color and complete lack of accountability for this violence, coming out as a gay/lesbian/ACE/non-binary teen. The main characters are black and brown teens with varied sexual orientations that are forced to deal with ⬇️ 6y

Carolyn11215 Police harassment and violence in their schools. Review called this a beautiful and brutal debut. It is definitely both! #booked2019 Author That Is New to You. @Cinfhen @4thhouseontheleft @BarbaraTheBibliophage (edited) 6y

TrishB Stacked 👍🏻 6y

erzascarletbookgasm Oh, I have this stacked! 6y

18 likes2 stack adds4 comments

quote

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

So timely!!

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

At the beginning of this book I was not connected with the MC. I could never imagine what he had experienced but he felt like he was a bit whiny lacking drive & direction. I believe that to be on purpose the story continues & there is another tragedy Moss comes into his own. If you had told me I would cry for these characters by the end I wouldn't have believed you, but I did. The message that anger when wielded correctly is incredibly powerful.

review

BooksForEmpathy

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

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pick

I try to read some YA because of my career working with adolescents. This was on every list I came across, and I loved the title and it immediately spoke to me as a therapist. To turn your anger into motivation for change, as well as to use your anger to raise your own consciousness and increase your awareness, is an important skill and resilience-builder.

It‘s well-told and will break your heart + fire you up. Diverse characters, too!

Eggs I just borrowed that! 6y

Reggie I was sooooo angry reading this!!!! 6y

Peddler410 I got to hear the author speak last weekend. 6y

67 likes10 stack adds3 comments

blurb

BooksForEmpathy

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Drowning our anger and sorrows about the news in peanut butter milkshakes, queso tots, and burgers to come. I have been listening to this on my commute this week - it‘s fantastic! If you enjoyed The Hate U Give, pick this one up.

Let‘s turn our anger into motivation for change 🙌🏻.

saresmoore Yes and amen! 6y

Tamra Indeed! 6y

86 likes5 stack adds2 comments

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

'ANGER IS A GIFT is a story of police brutality, racism and protesting. It is an extremely detailed, violent and necessary novel that shows the way people react when forced into hard situations.

#book #bookreview
Full review here:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=231154994425247&id=100025922438485

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Run, or move as fast as you can in whichever way you move, to get this book into your life.

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

I had a hard time with the writing. It felt a little flat and hard to get into for me. I had to really work to keep going. However huge 💙💚💛🧡💜🖤for the LGBTQ cast of characters fighting institutional racism, police brutality and putting a spotlight on mental health and PTSD. Its worth a shot and maybe the writing style will be easier for you.

blurb

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

‪“He could deal with it as long as his mother was there.” That‘s a #bookQuote kiss of death y‘all! I‘m definitely gonna throw this book at some point. #AmReading Anger Is A Gift by Mark Oshiro ‬

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

Pick

pick

Moss is a teenager living in Oakland. The son of a black man who was shot to death by cops when he was 10, when they responded to a call but at the wrong market. Years later, Moss is in high school that has no supplies but has police presence and metal detectors and have started to harass students. This book is an important book on so many levels. Institutionalized racism, resistance, it has a great cast of queer characters. It will make you 👇🏼

Reggie uncomfortable, angry, but hopefully will get you thinking and maybe having some important conversations. 6y

TheBookHippie Will get it! Thanks ! 6y

erzascarletbookgasm Sounds good, stacking! Great review. 6y

See All 18 Comments

batsy Another stack thanks to your insightful review. Sounds good 👍🏽 6y

Cathythoughts Great great quote 👍🏻🖤 6y

Kalalalatja Sounds great! 6y

minkyb Oakland keeps coming up a lot lately. This sounds as harrowing as

[tagged book]

There There: A novel

6y

Bookzombie Great review! Stacked! 6y

Centique This sounds horrific and also necessary to read. 😨 Stacked! 6y

Reggie @TheBookHippie @erzascarletbookgasm @batsy @Cathythoughts @Kalalalatja Thanks!!! @Bookzombie Thanks, yay, you‘re back!!! @minkyb I need to read more Native American literature. @Centique a lot of it was horrific, have some tissues handy.😭 6y

minkyb Me too @Reggie 6y

Bookzombie @Reggie 😊 6y

Posh_Salad I saw the author at a panel recently and am considering reading this one. Sometimes the subject hits too close to home and I need to step away for a bit. 😢 6y

Reggie @LazyLimaLife Yeah, this one was pretty heavy. 6y

RohitSawant Thoughtful review of what sounds like a powerful book! 6y

Reggie Thanks, man. 6y

TheBookHippie Reading now !!!! 6y

Reggie @TheBookHippie yay!!! I hope you like it. 6y

77 likes13 stack adds18 comments

review

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

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pick

This book is both raw and relentless. But it has to be in order to capture the very real violence kids like Moss and his friends face at the hands of police. If you are a fan of The Hate You Give, Dear Martin, All American Boys, and similar stories, Anger Is a Gift is a must for your library. This a great debut novel by Mark Oshiro and I look forward to seeing more of his work.

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Broke_Girl_Reads

Anger Is a Gift | Mark Oshiro

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pick

While I was reading this, my local school board voted to increase police presence in schools. Mark‘s intense debut could not have come at a better time. It‘s a love letter and a power anthem to queer teens of color, from someone with personal experience with police brutality. I can‘t wait for his next book. #queerbooks

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