Unsafe, Unscared is a novel about the emotional fallout that a police-involved shooting has on all parties. It follows the friendship of two 19 year-olds-one is the son of the cop behind the killing and the other is the son of the victim, but neither is aware of the other's back story. It's a fast-paced, realistic story with a narrative that is propelled by a revenge plot. However, much of it is about everyday experiences that young people are eager to read about-- inter-racial/class relationships, possessiveness and open relationships, and the internal conflict between "selling out" and "keeping it real." With the setting of a college town in the ghetto, it explores the real drama many people experience living in mixed-community neighborhoods. With fresh, clear voices and unique, gritty prose, this is a great read.
