When viewed through the lens of a poignant take on activism, Candace Buford has created a guide to doing what feels right to speak your mind and make your opinions heard. Kneel is quite good as an empowering take on student activism. High school senior Russell Boudreaux is at the top of his football game and looking for a college scholarship as a way out of his small Louisiana town. But when a fight breaks out before the coin toss of a game against their rivals, his best friend and fellow team captain is arrested. None of the white students on the opposing team are charged. At the next game, Rus feels compelled to take a knee, as Colin Kaepernick did in the NFL, but it leads to him getting benched and his family questioning his desire to get into college and get out of their dead-end town.

As a Kaepernick fan, this was a must-read for me and I will buy Kneel for my collection. But now I'm going to get critical. The setting of this book is crucial because what happens in Lousiana DOES NOT happen in New Jersey, where I live. Here we have community policing which challenges the premise of this book, namely that police have it in for Black men. And I don't disagree that it happens, but I say this as a caution for others who may purchase this book and live in a place where blue lines are painted down Main Street. This book will see its share of haters. But I'm taking this point of view - Buford shows fear in a way that you don't often see. It may cause a few light bulbs to go off and create a few allies. My favorite character was Rus Boudreaux's mother - you aren't looking at a stereotype of a Black woman here, but you are seeing a mom. A kind, caring, cautious mom who just wants to see her son safe. It gives the story that twist that makes it relatable beyond the movement.
Lastly, this may just be me being critical, but football fans might see a few plot holes. From a reader's advisory point of view, this book is for the activists, not the reluctant male readers who wear jerseys every day.

Thank you Net galley for an advanced copy . This is a gripping novel covering social injustice, why black lives matter and the struggle to make changes for black lives.

When a high school student takes a knee at a game in support of a wrongful death of a black teenager the whole town is split apart. It even affects his relationship with his own family.

This book made me angry, frustrated and sad. These are signs of amn excellent read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eArc of this deeply moving book by Candace Buford. It reminded me of Nic Stone's, Martin and Justyce books, young black men getting arrested for no reason. It was heartbreaking and very emotional to read of the police brutality towards the innocent young black men. The things I really enjoyed about this book were the details that were put in to developing the characters and the setting. I could feel the painful emotions that the young black men were experiencing throughout the book. Each page drew me in wanting to see justice for Marion and the black community of Monroe. I was hooked and Buford does a great job with this book.

From the publisher: 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.

Kneel is exactly what I expected from a book about a Black high school football player in Louisiana who kneels during the national anthem after his best friend is falsely accused of starting a fight with a White rival player. Kneel is a compelling novel for our times written from the point of view of a Black male teenager, but there were no surprises. Main character and narrator Rus is impulsive, loyal, and a good son in addition to being a good football player. His parents have scrounged and saved in hopes that Rus will have better opportunities than they had. Before a game with a White high school, two White players provoke a fight, but it’s the two Black players who are blamed and punished.

I feel like I read a lot of books narrated by girls, so it was a nice change to read one narrated by a boy. The book opens with what should be a perfectly normal situation – car problems and a breakdown – that feels terrifying when seen from the point of view of two Black teenagers on the border of the White and Black parts of town. While football is important in the book, there is not a lot of focus on it, so if you aren’t a fan it should not impair your enjoyment and understanding of the book.

I felt a romantic side plot was unnecessary and a bit of a distraction. The ending, while overly optimistic, is a satisfactory one for the reader. In chapter 22, at a rally, a speaker calls out the names of two Black men killed by police. I was surprised that the circumstances were very similar to real life incidents but real names were not used. I wonder what was behind that decision. I found it confusing.

This novel brings together issues of Black Lives Matter, policing, justice, racism, and White silence, along with how social media and video have become so important in spotlighting the truth. The book is very earnest in its desire to convey these issues to the reader. It lacks the maturity and brilliance of The Hate U Give, but readers who enjoyed that book might also like to read Kneel. The last few chapters are the most compelling, with Chapter 29 being the strongest part of the book in my opinion.

Kneel is a good choice for young adults and for public library young adult fiction collections. I read an advance reader copy; it is scheduled to be published on September 14 and will be available in the Galesburg Public Library’s YA collection.

After a police shooting, Russell, co-captain of his football team, takes a knee during the national anthem. His Louisiana town is torn apart by protests.

This is a book that I think will resonate with a lot of teens. I'm not the biggest sports fan but it's good for me to be reminded how important football is to the lives of some teens, and especially the way sports scholarships can be a path to college for poor kids who might not otherwise have one. I appreciated that Russell explicitly names Colin Kaepernick as an inspiration and the text here directly engages with Kaepernick's protest and the consequences thereof in a way that again, I think a lot of teens, especially teen athletes, will enjoy reading. The book gives a good sense of how unjust white supremacy is and how the odds are stacked against young Black men (and like, all Black people) in the US while still ending on a hopeful note.

This book can open the door to conversations about why people take a knee during the national anthem. Russell and Marion attend a predominantly Black high school in Louisiana. They are stars in their football team with hopes of getting scholarships that will take them out of their dead end, racist town. A recent killing by a white police officer (who is still actively policing) has everyone terrified. When their first game reveals just how deep the racial injustice is in their broader community (including the football community), Russell has some decisions to make. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat while you scream in outrage.

I was lucky to receive a physical arc from Inkyard Press - THANK YOU! I have already shared it with my mentee who plays football and is familiar with the Black Lives Matter movement. He started reading the day he received it and said he was liking it. I’m hoping this can be an opportunity for him to see himself in a book and get excited about reading. I will definitely be purchasing this title for my high school library. It will be great to have a football themed addition to my diverse books collection.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Extremely relevant for our current times, the story follows two young black football players and their personal experiences with racism in their small Louisiana community.

Thank you Netgalley and Inkyard Press for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by simply saying, WOW!! When I finished reading this book the first thing I did was DM the author to let her know that her book is powerful and important. This timely Black Lives Matter story addresses the challenges that black teens face living in an America that chooses not to address the systemic racism that is woven into the very fabric of this country. This society argued back and forth about Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the national anthem. Was it right? Was it wrong? However, what was rarely addressed was WHY he took a knee.

It’s Russell Boudreaux’s senior year and he has only one goal, a Division 1 scholarship. A scholarship is his one way, his only way to escape his town. However, his goal not only belongs to him, but it also belongs to his parents. They want more for him, better than what they have. Therefore, Russell always puts football first. He keeps his grades up, he stays away from anything that might get him kicked off the team. But then everything changes at the start of the game against Westmond, a town known for its racism. When Russell and his co-captain, Marion meet Westmond’s captain, Brad, and his co-captain for the coin toss words are said towards Russell. Before they knew it things began to escalate.
When Russell decides to kneel at the injustices that he has seen and that have taken place in his community, the reaction isn’t one that he expects. Russell soon finds himself questioning his beliefs and what is truly important, justice or football?

I felt immense pride and worry while reading this as a black mother with a son. I am so proud of the man we raised but I fear for him daily, much like Mrs. Boudreaux. Much of this book hit me directly in the heart. But the end had me sobbing. I CANNOT wait to book talk this one and recommend it to teacher friends for their classroom shelves. Although this book deals with the tough subjects of race and racism it is beautifully written. The only negative thing I can say about this book is that it feels too real. More like a true story than one of fiction. Needless to say, I HIGHLY recommend this book for parents, teachers, and students. Age recommendation 12+

Gratitude to NetGalley for recommending this ARC Proof, I received it on Wednesday, started it on Thursday, and just finished it. "[KNEEL: Justice is a Team Sport] by Candace Buford is the first book that has grabbed my heart, soul, and spirit in a long time. I have been crying big gulping tears, cheering scaring the cats, and laughing a little bit. KNEEL will be one of those books that circulate in Juvenile and Y/A sections of the library so often that they have to have multiple copies and has to be replaced often, making the stats becoming a classic.

I have personally emailed a few Librarians I know who scour the earth for writing and books like this to pass this title along as a must-have for any collection that promotes diversity.

My life has been changed by reading this book. Thank you Candace Buford I will never forget this story.

After a quick review, I believe many of our teen visitors will have their lives changed by this book, and I look forward to sharing it. Thank you for the ARC!

Kneel by Candace Buford

9781335402516

211 Pages
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Release Date: September 14, 2021

Fiction, Teens, Young Adults, OwnVoices, Racism, Multicultural, Sports

Russell and Marion are football players for the Jackson Jags in Monroe Louisiana. Racism runs deep especially for young Black men. At a football game, a punch is thrown, and Marion is taken to the police station and charged. Since this is considered a violent crime, he is not allowed to play football. Since this is his senior year, it is more important than ever to get cleared to play. Football is his only way to get out of Monroe. As a way of protesting the unfair treatment Marion is receiving at the hands of the police and judicial system, Russ decides to take matters into his own hands. At the next football game, he takes a knee.

This book is written in first person point of view. The characters are well developed, and the story has a steady pace. The author did a wonderful job showing the difficulties the Black community faces every day. I enjoyed reading this book and hope others find its value as well.

YA Realistic. Russell is the co-captain and tight-end on his high school football team. He's hoping some scouts will see him play this season; he'll need a college scholarship in order to attend. But when he makes the decision to kneel during the national anthem, he sees his future dreams begin to slip away. This is a timely and well-written novel urging all to realize that silence is allowing violence against people of color to continue.

Really, such an impressive and poignant book.. I hate saying timely for a book because the ideas behind it aren't anything new, but I really feel like this will resonate with teens. It's a little The Hate U Give, a little Dear Martin, a little When You Look Like Us, with a different take.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.

While many, MANY novels have come out surrounding the BLM movement (all of which have been fantastic, harrowing, and eye opening) there have been few written from the perspective of a black man, and even fewer written from sports. Based on the kneeling during the anthem from Kaepernick, this story follows Rus and Marion, two black HS football players from Louisiana, who find themselves in the midst of what they only had ever read about on the news.

This story kind of reminded me of All American Boys and THUG, but was unique with the sports element thrown in. Rus' family can't afford to have him throw away his shot at football -- his ticket out of their town -- but Rus is tired of holding back his voice. Tied in with an English teacher who inspires them to use their voice and Gabby who inspires Rus...this novel had me pulled in.

I will say it took a while to get into, just because 1) I don't do football and 2) I was really irritated with everyone reprimanding Rus for his choice to kneel because god forbid things happen to football. While it gets explained, I think it did the point of the novel some disservice. They focus on silence is violence, but it takes until the end of the novel for people to let up on Rus and his decisions. I also think the romance with Gabby was slightly unnecessary.

Overall, 4/5 stars for a debut. I'm looking forward to recommending this to my students -- especially those who play football.

I enjoyed this ARC very much. It was a compelling read. I enjoyed the characters (especially Gabby) and I find the world of small town American sports fascinating, whether it be Friday Night Lights, Cheer, or this story. It is so different to life here in Australia. We love our sport, but reserve our passion mainly for the professional level, whereas American high school and college ball is huge. Sport is also not seen as the ticket to success/education/changing your life for most people. It has a lot less riding on it.

Along with this backdrop of high school football, we have the main topic of racial injustice; of people who's "only crime is being Black in America." Reading this, I felt the same disbelief at the actions of the police as I felt reading and watching about Selma and other protests in the 1960s. How does such racism end up with the law on its side? It would be unbelievable if it wasn't unfortunately based on reality.

The question remains, what to do about this injustice? I like that the activist character in this novel was very clear in calling for non-violent protest, in the tradition of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. However, some turn to violent protests, as they see nothing changing, no-one listening.

Russell finds himself torn between wanting to stand up and call out injustice, and staying quiet so as to not risk his college opportunities and entire future. He ponders "So... Did peaceful protests really work? Or did protests need to make more noise and shake things up?" Later, after police turn a peaceful demonstration into a riot, he reflects, "What was the point of protest if it blew up in our faces every single time? There was never any hope of changing the system. And the sooner I accepted that, the better."

Russell's Dad relays a story from his playing days in the 1980's. Racist fans would throw bananas into the field and make monkey noises when he played. This brought to mind an incident that occurred in Australia, where an indigenous footballer, Adam Goodes, was called an ape by a fan. A club president and media personality also made a racist comment. This did not happen in distant, unenlightened times. This was in 2013! These acts of racism didn't go unchecked, but the fact remains that not enough was done at the time to support Adam. In fact he felt so unsupported he retired early and has refused to accept his nomination into the AFL Hall of Fame.

Some things were predictable, some too convenient, but that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. I think it could benefit from an appendix highlighting the back story of some real life protests.

Kneel is a great book to open about conversations about racism and standing up for your beliefs. I know there will be students who “won’t/don’t read” who WILL read this once I tell them it is kind of like the CW All American series!

Russell and his best friend are on track to be awarded football scholarships to go to college away from their small Louisiana town. When a rival team starts a fight with them on the field, Rus's best friend is arrested and kicked off the team. While fighting for justice for his friend, the police begin to threaten Rus and he takes a knee to protest against police brutality, racism, and unjust arrests. #silenceisviolence

“Silence is Violence.” 5 stars for Kneel by Candace Buford. A powerful story about racism, injustice, and expressing yourself. Every character responds in a different way to the events occurring, keeping the reader on their toes. @NetGalley @candacebuford

Russell Boudreaux and his friend Marion have been playing football together since they were little, both hoping for a Division 1 scholarship to get them out of their small, rural, racist town. A few months prior to the opening of the story a young, unarmed Black man was killed by a White cop who has yet to be indicted, suspended, or even placed on administrative leave. Also, during the final game of the previous football season, their team lost in a close match to their rivals just across the river, a well-funded all-White school.

When Marion is unfairly accused and suspended from the team, Russell is too fed up to take it anymore and he takes a knee during the national anthem at the next game. What follows is a maelstrom of racist hate from all over the place and disappointment, frustration, blame, and anger from his own family and teammates. It's up to Russell to decide how he's going to react. Will he put his dreams on hold to stand up for what he knows is right? Or, will he push down those feelings and swallow the hate and racism knowing that football is his ticket out of town?

Honestly, this book made me so angry that I had a hard time reading it. The injustice and racism and lack of consequences for the White people was so much that I just couldn't fathom it. I do understand that I have the privilege of putting the book down for a little while and regrouping, while BIPOC have to live in it every day with no breaks to regroup. One character in the book uses the phrase "Silence is Violence" and I refuse to be silent! But, this isn't the forum to fix racism, this is a forum to review the book. So, I will tell you that this book is powerfully written and grabs the reader and makes them feel it. I spent 2 years living in Monroe, Louisiana (where this book seems to take place, although the town across the river is West Monroe, not Westmond as it is in the book) and I saw some serious poverty and racism while living there. Thus, the events in the book came off as believable and realistic.

I appreciated that the problems were not all tied up with a little bow and solved at the end. I appreciated that every character had a different response to the racism in the book - that rang true to me. While a few of the things did seem to be solved a little too quickly <spoiler>for example, the town's response at the end</spoiler>, overall this book was character-driven and credible and I definitely recommend it to every reader and non-reader alike. As infuriating as it was for me to read, it's a book that all Americans should read.

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.