Come Home Safe by Brian G. Buckmire is about two African American siblings who have a run in with the police and it takes an unexpected turn. Reed and Olive are siblings who live in New York City. The siblings take the subway home after school. Reed is excited to sit down and watch some videos of his favorite soccer players. Things take a turn for the worse, when police officers believe Reed is a suspect for disorderly conduct in the train that matches their description. Reed tries to remain poised and tactful while trying to verbally defend himself. He states that they have the wrong person. However, the cops are not interested in hearing what Reed has to say because in their minds, they have their guy.
Later at a cafe, a woman accuses Olive of stealing her phone and demands her phone. Olive is startled by the request and is offended that she is being accused of something she didn’t do. A crowd starts to form around her but no one comes to her aid even as the woman says she will report Olive to the police.
The book is an important resource to people of color and marginalized communities. The book provides tips and instructions when interacting with police officers to prevent a disastrous outcome. The stories were pulled from the headlines and were very relatable. I liked the tips provided that can be incorporated into everyday life.
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