Yummy: The Last Days of a Soutside Shorty
By G. Neri and Randy DuBurke
Wow...this graphic novel is based on the true story of 11-year-old gang member, Robert "Yummy" Sandifer. He was a "shorty" for a gang in Chicago. While shooting at a rival gang, he took the life of a 14-year-old girl, a past classmate. Yummy spends the next few days hiding from rival gang members and the police. Just as he is about to turn himself in, members from his own gang find him and end his short life. Was he a ruthless killer? What caused an 11-yr-old to do this?
The story of this child is so sad. I have worked at schools with a gang population and I can tell you that I have seen the good in these kids. The sad thing is that once they leave school, they are fighting for their own lives every single day. Most of these kids see no other way of living. How can we stop this? I wish I knew the answer....
This book would be great in the hands of teens, but also in the hands of professionals who work with youth. It is captivating and heartbreaking.
Rated: 4.5
Recommended for: high school students, teachers, administrators, etc....
