The author of "How I Found My Strong" and "When I Crossed No-Bob" pens a poignant and honest story of a young girl living in a Chicago housing project who tries to make sense of her life after her sister is killed. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 7-10-When 13-year-old Cashay's beloved younger sister is accidentally killed in a drug-related shooting and their mother relapses into drug addiction, this African-American resident of Chicago's notorious Cabrini Green housing projects seethes with resentment and anger. Enter Allison, a white stockbroker who agrees to mentor the teenager. Their relationship benefits both participants, as Cashay slowly begins to heal, and Allison learns to open up her heart to others. This short, accessible novel is predictable, with a curious lack of tension during scenes that should be very scary, but also with moments of humor ("We're reading stupid books-books about white people who lose pets") and of touching pathos ("He was born just so he could cry"). It is peopled with stock characters, oversimplifies the world, and puts its protagonist through all the stages of grief in a mere 166 pages. However, there is no mistaking the ring of authenticity in Cashay's voice and in the details of life in modern-day Cabrini Green (or what's left of it).-Rhona Campbell, Washington, DC Public Library Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

McMullan departs from her usual genre of historical fiction in this street-lit title set in what's left of Chicago's Cabrini Green projects which achieves gripping authenticity without profanity. Fourteen-year-old Cashay and her younger sister, Sashay, have always been extremely close, but their bond breaks tragically when Sashay is killed in a neighborhood shooting. In the weeks that follow, Cashay's mother descends into drug addiction, and Cashay is overwhelmed by grief and fury, prompting her counselor to send her to an after-school program, where she is paired with Allison, a volunteer mentor. Allison's genuine concern gradually helps Cashay begin to heal and imagine a life beyond the projects. The understated style and strong first-person voice highlight Cashay's distinctive character. An economic metaphor, both timely and unique, works nicely with Cashay's growing trust that she can remain connected to her sister through memory. After an exciting climax, the book ends abruptly but with a heartening sense of optimism. This slim book packs an emotional punch and is sure to win new fans to the genre.--Rutan, Lynn Copyright 2009 Booklist From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.