This Is My America

By: Kim Johnson

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

"Incredible and searing." --Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin

The Hate U Give meets Just Mercy in this unflinching yet uplifting first novel that explores the racist injustices in the American justice system.

Every week, seventeen-year-old Tracy Beaumont writes letters to Innocence X, asking the organization to help her father, an innocent Black man on death row. After seven years, Tracy is running out of time--her dad has only 267 days left. Then the unthinkable happens. The police arrive in the night, and Tracy's older brother, Jamal, goes from being a bright, promising track star to a "thug" on the run, accused of killing a white girl. Determined to save her brother, Tracy investigates what really happened between Jamal and Angela down at the Pike. But will Tracy and her family survive the uncovering of the skeletons of their Texas town's racist history that still haunt the present?

Fans of Nic Stone, Tiffany D. Jackson, and Jason Reynolds won't want to miss this provocative and gripping debut.

Critic reviews

An NPR Best Book of the Year

"An incredible and searing examination of the often-tragic collision of racism and a flawed criminal justice system. Read and reread . . . and reread again." —Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin

"This Is My America promises a powerful story about racial injustice, featuring stunning prose reminiscent of Nic Stone and Angie Thomas.” —Paste Magazine

"Harrowing and worthwhile; a call-to-action from the anti-racist insights of a generation of black activists." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Activist Johnson’s powerful debut is a timely testimony that echoes the social realities behind today’s #BlackLivesMatter protests.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This strong debut will strike home with socially conscious readers." —Booklist

"A strong debut. Will appeal to readers of Angie Thomas and fans of criminal justice podcasts like Serial and In the Dark." —SLJ

“This debut YA novel is an incisive condemnation of the racist criminal justice system, mass incarceration and capital punishment. . . . A necessary add to all shelves, especially those focused on anti-racism and #BlackLivesMatter.” —Shelf Awareness

A story everyone should read!!

This was such a inspirational story. I think this is a story everyone can relate too. This hit home as a mom, a black woman and a American.

A MUST READ for everyone!!

Where do I begin—Awesome?

As I read This Is My America, I fell deep into a story that is very close to my heart. Close to my mission—to uplift Black voices and continue to strive to uncover the unfair and Injustice of Black men.

Kim Johnson gives an unapologetic glimpse into the lives of what America really looks like to Black men—to their families they leave behind.

I loved the plot, descriptive setting, sensory details throughout, and the realistic dialogue between realistic characters.

The author did a wonderful. No FANTASTIC job in pulling me in as a reader as if I was watching a movie—or in most Black homes, watching the 7:00 local news. I can’t say enough of the emotions I felt inside, but what I can say is this... Stories like this needs to be told. We have to change the narrative and continue to stand in solidarity to end Injustice for all.

Adrienne L. Edwards
Embracer of Imperfect Inspirations

This is my American is my favorite book now!!!!

I loved this book because it had a great story line, and it showed what it would be like it if someone you loved was in jail for something he/she didn’t do. The narrator Bahni Turpin was amazing!! The way she read it was spectacular. You could really see the emotion in the story and what the characters look like. Over all this book is amazing and I 100% recommend it!!

Impeccable Narration

Bahni made reading this book an amazing experience! She portrayed the main character in a way that it sounds as if Tracy is speaking to you! A memorable experience and an even amazing book for YA!

Love to see this as a film

This story and characters were so relevant to what is going on today. This is great book for teens and should be use in class for political science.

Great listen!

Great story about the injustices of our justice system! It was thoughtful with wonderful characters.

Wow wow wow

This book was impossible to put down (or pause!) The story was engaging and devastating. I love listening to Bahni Turpin, and as always, she made this book even better.

Wow!

I am not your typical book lover-- I'm the guy that prefers watching the movie instead. This book sucked me in and with each chapter, I couldn't help but read more and more! I am VERY impressed with this book. It had a good flow, it was suspenseful, engaging, educational and riveting. I HIGHLY recommend this book! You won't regret it!

Powerful!

This book is so powerful! I purchased it as a hard copy and audio. Job well done to the author! Job well done to the narrator! I will be encouraging others to read it.

Well Written, Well Performed

Great, nuanced story with a satisfying conclusion. Manages to not be preachy even while addressing multiple issues of morality and faith. The voice actor was amazing. All of her voices were distinct and believable, regardless of genders, ages, and backgrounds of the characters she voiced. The story development includes multiple layers of history and connects the past with the present.