Kneel

by Candace Buford Narrated by Preston Butler III

Overview

This fearless debut novel explores racism, injustice, and self-expression through the story of a promising Black football star in Louisiana.

The system is rigged.

For guys like Russell Boudreaux, football is the only way out of their small town. As the team's varsity tight end, Rus has a singular goal: to get a scholarship and play on the national stage. But when his best friend is unfairly arrested and kicked off the team, Rus faces an impossible choice: speak up or live in fear.

“Please rise for the national anthem.”

Desperate for change, Rus kneels during the national anthem. In one instant, he falls from local stardom and becomes a target for hatred. But he's not alone. With the help of his best friend and an unlikely ally, Rus will fight for his dreams, and for justice.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Buford takes the criminal justice system sharply to task, demonstrating how easily it bows for people trying to uphold white supremacy at the expense of the livelihoods (and sometimes lives) of Black people... Perfectly pitched to justice-oriented sports fans.”—Booklist, starred review

"Debut author Buford delivers a novel that bridges the mighty dreams of Last Chance U with the trenchant social critique of The Hate U Give. Sports’ biggest social movement moment of the decade gets a special homage.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Absolutely Timely and gripping. Couldn’t put it down. Speaks to the current social climate, and is a must read. 10/10.” —Broderick Hunter, actor, model, and activist

"A powerful and timely debut novel, Kneel is a gripping story about what it looks like when we demand equity, justice, and recognition of our own humanity. It examines the mental and emotional costs of activism but also gives us a reason to stay in the fight. I could not put it down."—Kalynn Bayron, author of Cinderella Is Dead

“An utterly unforgettable book—one that makes you think, makes you angry, and most of all, makes you eager to demand change. With an honest, unflinching voice and imbued with moments of true tenderness, Kneel is realistic YA at its best.” —Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of Today Tonight Tomorrow


"This is “Friday Night Lights” for the Black Lives Matter era: an intense and unflinching look at how racism curdles lives in a small Louisiana town. You’ll blaze through it with your heart in your mouth and your fist in the air. Silence is violence, and this book is a rallying cry for justice."—Martha Brockenbrough, author of The Game of Love and Death


"Unflinching and compelling, Candace Buford turns a bright spotlight on the unjust world we live in. With Kneel, she is claiming space as a powerful new voice, loudly reminding us that silence is violence. Readers will be galvanized by this beautiful book's message."—Annette Christie, author of The Rehearsals and Love Lessons

“Readers will be on the edge of their seats... Buford has created relatable characters who will resonate with readers.”—School Library Journal

School Library Journal

09/01/2021

Gr 9 Up—Black high school football captains Russell (Rus) Boudreaux and Marion LaSalle are painfully aware of the racially divided towns of Westmond and Monroe in Louisiana. They are antagonized by two white rival players, Bradley Simmons and Lawrence Perkins, at a game at Westmond High. Marion is arrested by Officer Reynaud on trumped-up charges and kicked off the team. Rus takes a knee during the national anthem at the following game in an act of solidarity; is kicked off the team by his coach; and is villainized by the media, his teammates, and his parents. Rus also starts falling for old friend Gabby Dupre. He questions his political stance when his and Marion's futures are on the line. A mystery person leaves protest fliers demanding police accountability in Westmond and the culprit is closer to home than Rus realizes. A peaceful protest in Westmond turns ugly and the lives of Rus, Marion, and Gabby forever change. Buford's YA novel will bring to mind Colin Kaepernick's political stance against police brutality and his censure by the NFL. Readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering about the teens' fates. Young people will also appreciate the discussions of food justice, vegetarianism, and green urban spaces in lower-income African American communities through the characterization of Gabby, who is a Black vegetarian. Buford has created relatable characters who will resonate with readers. VERDICT This novel is a necessary purchase for conversations about systemic racism, police brutality, and food justice.—Donald Peebles, Brooklyn P.L.

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2021-07-08
Louisiana high school football star Russell Boudreaux chooses to take a stand.

NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick captured the world’s attention by kneeling during the national anthem to bring attention to police brutality against Black Americans. His courageous actions, which resulted in his expulsion from professional football, galvanized a generation of Black athletes to use athletic platforms to spotlight social injustice. This novel draws on this context to weave a tale about two up-and-coming Black high school football players trying to make the most of their final season and escape the harsh realities of their hometown lives. Russell is the Jackson High Jaguars’ formidable tight end, unstoppable when paired with his best friend and game-changing quarterback, Marion. Yet, when White players from well-off rival Westmond incite a fight during a game using racial epithets, Marion must deal with the unjust consequences of biased policing that not only land him off the team, but possibly in jail. Even worse, one of the officers involved was reassigned following the unprosecuted police murder of a Black boy in nearby Shreveport. For Gabby, Russell’s love interest and self-proclaimed intersectional feminist, this requires a courageous stand—but facing up to injustice brings unforeseen consequences; readers must navigate the complex ethics that inform a principled activist stance. Debut author Buford delivers a novel that bridges the mighty dreams of Last Chance U with the trenchant social critique of The Hate U Give.

Sports’ biggest social movement moment of the decade gets a special homage. (Fiction. 12-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176192346
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/14/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged

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