Safe Passage by G. Neri & David Brame put me through the wringer. It's a middle graphic novel set in Chicago about three kids who ditch school to try to get money from an overturned Brinks truck in hopes of saving their family from the impoverished conditions and violence of their city. Darius and Cissy already lost their mom to gun violence, and Booger seems to have lost hope and has a death wish with all his poor decisions. Darius was also hurt due to being shot. This graphic novel depicts the dangers of life in Chicago for today's youth. Much of  the rise in violence was due to over 50 schools being closed and kids being forced to travel farther through territory to get to school. The public schools that remained open enacted the Safe Passage Program, where adults, many veterans undertake the job of ensuring students make it to school safely. There are signs posted delineating safe zones, and the adults coordinate safe passage and try to be informed about where violence is escalating. Reading this one had me so emotional, sad and heartbroken because there are so many inner city children losing their lives due to  the consequences of  the rising cost of living due to gentrification, police brutality, poverty, lack of  resources, lack of strict gun laws and racism. There were times I didn't realize that I was holding my breath because I felt waves of tears coming uncontrollably. Overall, it was a really thought-provoking read & the illustrations bring the story to life. I highly recommend this one and it will be a great conversation starter for many about the harsh realities that Black youth face in the inner city. Take care of yourself while reading because this one will seep deep underneath your skin & make you uncomfortable. 

Here are some additional books that would pair well with this one:
📚 I am Alfonso Jones (graphic novel)- Tony Medina
📚 Yummy, the Last Days of  a Southside Shorty (graphic novel) - G. Neri
📚 Long Way Down (graphic novel)- Jason Reynolds 
📚 Monster (MG novel)- Dean Myers
📚 Ghost Boys (MG novel)- Jewell Parker Rhodes
📚 Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice
📚 Children of Chicago - Cynthia Pelayo