A young black man, Jefferson, is convicted of a murder he didn't commit and sentenced to death. Jefferson's godmother wants him to become a man before he dies, so she asks Grant Wiggins, the local school teacher to visit Jefferson. After being coersed by his aunt, Grant reluctantly agrees. He struggles begin immeadiatley as he tries to reach a man who knows his life is over. After a few visits, Jefferson and Grant form a strong bond. Both men learn about herosim, faith, and defying what is expected of them.

Discussion and reflection, especially in a classroom (high school level).

The changes seen in Grant and Jefferson as the book progresses. I found it to be inspirational, but heartbreaking as well.

Hug everyone I came to.

happy and sad at the same time. With the unjust death of Jefferson, Grant began to learn about life and what it means to be brave.

It is one of those books that gets you thinking about the way you treat people. Everyone has to read at least one book that makes them think at some point in their life. This book does just that.

For parents who look for books they can discuss with their teenagers, this is a good one.

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Created Jun 04, 2007 at 10:36am • Submit your own review...