I'm Not Dying with You Tonight
Books | Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / Prejudice & Racism
3.5
(505)
Kimberly Jones
Gilly Segal
The New York Times Bestseller!"An absolute page turner, I'm Not Dying with You Tonight is a compelling and powerful novel that is sure to make an impact. " —Angie Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U GiveAn NAACP Image Award Nominee, I'm Not Dying with You Tonight follows two teen girls—one black, one white—who have to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality as they rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has set their city on fire with civil unrest.Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she's going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school.When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together.They aren't friends. They hardly understand the other's point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they only have each other to rely on if they're going to survive the night.This book is perfect for:Sparking conversations about prejudice and the racial tension that exists in AmericaParents and educators looking for multicultural and African American books for teensFans of Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, and Jason ReynoldsAdditional Praise for I'm Not Dying with You Tonight:"A vital addition to the YA race relations canon." —Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin"An astounding achievement. This novel is an incendiary experience, one that does not shy away from difficult questions about privilege and violence. But Jones and Segal don't hold our hands to provide us easy answers; this is a book meant to be devoured in a single sitting and discussed for years to come." —Mark Oshiro, author of Anger is a Gift"I'm Not Dying With You Tonight is a powerful examination of privilege, and how friends are often found in surprising places. Jones and Segal have penned a page-turning debut, as timely as it is addictive." —David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author of Mosquitoland and Kids of Appetite
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More Details:
Author
Kimberly Jones
Pages
272
Publisher
Sourcebooks, Inc.
Published Date
2019-08-06
ISBN
1492678902 9781492678908
Community ReviewsSee all
"Amazing book!"
Tera B.
"This book kind of felt like a fever dream. The events were kind of random. My favorite part was how the two girls became friends at the end after facing trials together and realizing they weren’t so different after all. "
Avee
"The voices of the characters is very strong. Loved Lena. The confusion and disbelief of the girls the whole time and the things they were concerned about made sense. The ending left me with about a dozen questions, not a bad thing but definitely expected more answers from a section called: aftermath. "
E Hinkes
"This was a pretty good suspense story!!! I thought the two different writing styles coming together was really interesting, and the plot was Really good!!! The only thing I didn't like were the characters themselves. They felt too two dimensional. I knew a Lot of people like that in my high school, people who just hadn't developed personalities yet, other than what they saw on high school dramas on tv, so I found the characters to be a bit boring. Other than that, it was pretty good!!!"
Rook
"This was the third book I read for #owlsreadathon2020 and it was the one I was most into. The opening was very strong, however it became more repetitive near the middle. I was wondering if this was Syfy or horror because some things weren’t explained, and I felt this book could’ve used an explanation for why the events in this book happened. (Ik that doesn’t make sense but I don’t want to spoil anything lol). I usually don’t need things to be wrapped up in a nice little bow, but in this case the book kinda needed it. Anyway, still a great novel to read during quarantine!!!
3/5 STARS 🌟 "
Tessa
"I really liked the book, I read it all in one night. It’s a very edge of the seat type of book but not really that scary. The only reason I took off a star is that I wish the book had been longer and the characters would have been developed more"
K l
Kiki lol
"Lena and Campbell were great characters! I found their nights journey to be very engrossing. This was a short read but not an easy read. It tackles some of the issues that our society here in the US struggle to not only comprehend but circumvent in a sensitive manner. This might not have delved deeply into Black Lives Matter but you got a sense that this story is meant to be a message (albeit a brief one) to teenagers, of all ages, races and creeds to start taking a stand for those that don't have a voice or lack the ability to voice their opinion and be heard. I am looking forward to the movie adaptation as soon it can be made. If you haven't read this, please read it because it is a story that speaks to this time of civil unrest and the need for change. Highly reccomend to anyone and everyone!"
A F
Allison Freeman
"I loved the two very different voices and the way that both characters were continually examining and confronting their beliefs and prejudices. I felt both voices contributed to my understanding of my own preconceived notions and helped me see places where I can improve. Aside from helping me learn and grow, it was a fast moving and interesting story. 😁"
Jeni Sagen-Maness
"I’m Not Dying with You Tonight is the story about two girls trying to survive the night of a violent race riot. When barely-acquaintances Lena and Campbell attend a school football game, they never expect to spend the night gripped in each other’s arms trying not to be killed. But that’s what happens. Lena and Campbell end up trapped together in a concession stand when a fight breaks out between rival high school students. When the cops turn up and someone is shot, Lena and Campbell make a run for it, together. Throughout the night protests turn into violence and looting. Lena and Campbell run into problem after problem as they try to get home safely. <br/>This book is told in dual perspective. Lena is a black girl who has lived in the city her entire life. Campbell is white and is new to the city. The different points of view are the best part of this book. <br/>I liked this book, but I didn’t love it. <br/> It felt like Lena and Campbell made poor decision after poor decision. They should have stayed in the portable classroom- they were safe and had the keys. They should have never gone to Seventh. They should have let Marcus take them home. And they definitely should not have gone to Campbells dads hardware store. It was frustrating to read! <br/>I hope that following the events of that night Lena and Campbell became real friends and they both learn more about each other’s views."
Katie Hensley
"Very fast paced and relevant. Characters are interesting, relatable, and it's easy to be in their heads. It was a bit slow in the middle, but overall still worth the read."
Kelsey Boyett