Rest in Peace RaShawn: 3 (Nelson Beats the Odds)

Rest in Peace RaShawn is more than the story of an accidental shooting. Its the vivid story of a young mans life snuffed out too soon by police bullets - a narrative that sadly has become all too familiar in America.The author Ronnie Sidney II MSW captures the emotional upheaval suffered by families and communities nationwide following the sudden violent demise of black men. He presents the violence and suffering in a sensitive easy-to-understand and age-appropriate format for kids. This book is a good way to broach the painful but necessary conversations families across the nation are having with their children and provides thoughtful discussion points on how to heal the legacy of distrust between African- American communities and the police who are supposed to protect them. Rest in Peace RaShawn completes a trinity of quality young adult literature by Sidney including the first books in his series Nelson Beats the Odds and Tamekas New Dress. All three inspire confidence in children especially children of color and encourage a fondness for reading and a heightened level of social awareness; Sidneys stories equip kids with a broader understanding of Americas current culture and climate.-Samantha Willis Author of The Little Adventures of Bella & DJ: Travels in Virginia Arts & Entertainment Editor Richmond Magazine