This Is My America

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Velshi Banned Book Club: ‘This Is My America’ by Kim Johnson
MSNBC· 2025-07-12 21:00
Book Overview - "This Is My America" explores systemic racism within the legal system through the story of Tracy's family, where both her father and brother are wrongfully accused of murder [3][4] - The novel balances Tracy's personal life as a teenager with her activism and fight for justice for her family [5][6] - The book is part of a new literary canon that explores racism in America through the eyes of normal teenagers, alongside books like "The Hate You Give" and "Dear Martin" [7][8] Themes and Issues - The book emphasizes the importance and strength of family in the face of injustice [13][14] - It addresses the power of media, both positive and negative, in shaping narratives about Black people and their interactions with the law [15][16] - The author draws inspiration from Bryan Stevenson's work on justice and due process, highlighting the historical context of racial injustice in America [18][19] Author's Perspective - The author aimed to humanize young people by showing the dichotomy between serious issues and everyday teenage concerns [12] - The author criticizes the tendency to reduce Black individuals to bodies harmed, rather than recognizing their full humanity and stories [25] - The author highlights the importance of telling complete stories about Black people and their experiences with the legal system [16]