Bang by Barry Lyga

Lincoln Award Book, 2021

Way too relatable for my students

... I try not to stare at the scarf wound around her head. It's not that I've never seen this before. I've just never seen it live, in person. Especially here in Brookdale, the place crowned three years ago as the "Whitest Town in Maryland." p32

Privilege

A human being would apologize. Would at least put the rifle away. but Mr. Danforth lacks the basic human firmware required for apologies. He rooted out those files and deleted them years ago. Being rich means never having to say you're sorry. p68-69 Emphasis mine.

Discussion

"Well, here's what I've noticed over the years: People-- men, especially-- are quiet for one of four reasons." She hands me the newly full glass and proceeds to tick them on her fingers: "They're hiding something. They're afraid of something. They have nothing to say. They have too much to say. Which is it for you?" p97

"Suck or not, it doesn't make a difference. Something sucking doesn't change what it is. What am I supposed to do? Let people's opinions of me dictate how I live my life?" p105-106

We are all dangerous, every person on this planet. p107

"It's tough to talk about this stuff. But I guess if I don't, no one will learn. You wouldn't get it. You don't know how lucky you are. Both your parents were born here and their parents and their parents, and you don't have this stress of 'We're not really welcome here.' And 'We have to honor our past, but also be a part of the place where we live.' And sometimes that seems impossible." p133

Love

Is this what love feels like? I've never felt it before, and I've never felt this before, so maybe they're the same. p121

LOL

Aneesa, it turns out, speaks excellent Adult. p129

She then goes on to invoke a litany of YouTube mega-stars: Michelle Phan and PewDiePie and Grace Helbig and more, concluding with the holiest of holies-- the Vlogbrothers. p131

Gender / Relationships

Not going to include it because of a spoiler, but a great discussion about relationships on p 205

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