Literature & Fiction
![Kimberly Jones - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B07X5VG3VF.jpg)
![Gilly Segal - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B07VRP4BN6.jpg)
I'm Not Dying with You Tonight
"An absolute page turner, I'm Not Dying with You Tonight is a compelling and powerful novel that is sure to make an impact."―Angie Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give.
An NAACP Image Award Nominee, I'm Not Dying with You Tonight follows two teen girls―one black, one white―who have to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality as they rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has set their city on fire with civil unrest.
Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she's going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school.
When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together.
They aren't friends. They hardly understand the other's point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they only have each other to rely on if they're going to survive the night.
This book is perfect for:Sparking conversations about prejudice and the racial tension that exists in AmericaParents and educators looking for multicultural and African American books for teensFans of Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, and Jason ReynoldsAdditional Praise for I'm Not Dying with You Tonight:
"A vital addition to the YA race relations canon."―Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin
"An astounding achievement. This novel is an incendiary experience, one that does not shy away from difficult questions about privilege and violence. But Jones and Segal don't hold our hands to provide us easy answers; this is a book meant to be devoured in a single sitting and discussed for years to come."―Mark Oshiro, author of Anger is a Gift
"I'm Not Dying With You Tonight is a powerful examination of privilege, and how friends are often found in surprising places. Jones and Segal have penned a page-turning debut, as timely as it is addictive."―David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author of Mosquitoland and Kids of Appetite
An NAACP Image Award Nominee, I'm Not Dying with You Tonight follows two teen girls―one black, one white―who have to confront their own assumptions about racial inequality as they rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has set their city on fire with civil unrest.
Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she's going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school.
When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together.
They aren't friends. They hardly understand the other's point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they only have each other to rely on if they're going to survive the night.
This book is perfect for:Sparking conversations about prejudice and the racial tension that exists in AmericaParents and educators looking for multicultural and African American books for teensFans of Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, and Jason ReynoldsAdditional Praise for I'm Not Dying with You Tonight:
"A vital addition to the YA race relations canon."―Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin
"An astounding achievement. This novel is an incendiary experience, one that does not shy away from difficult questions about privilege and violence. But Jones and Segal don't hold our hands to provide us easy answers; this is a book meant to be devoured in a single sitting and discussed for years to come."―Mark Oshiro, author of Anger is a Gift
"I'm Not Dying With You Tonight is a powerful examination of privilege, and how friends are often found in surprising places. Jones and Segal have penned a page-turning debut, as timely as it is addictive."―David Arnold, New York Times bestselling author of Mosquitoland and Kids of Appetite
Readers Top Reviews
HSSKatelyn BeaneKind
Absolutely the best book I've read on race relations. Non judgmental. Gives you both sides from the perspective of two teenage girls. Spoiler Alert: The two teenager must work together to survive through a harrowing night of shooting, fights, a riot, looting and their conflicting views on each other, all while trying to get safe and home. Raw emotions fly and the reader feels every single one viscerally.
KatrinaK. B.
The first 100 pages were so rough to read, I thought it was poorly written, it didn’t flow and contained unnecessary information that did not add to the story. But I continued on because I was bored at work. The plot thickened a bit after that and I was intrigued mostly because I had never heard any stories of someone being involved in a riot when all hell breaks loose and you’re not wanting to be there. It was terrifying for these girls and they barely knew each other but they stuck by each other’s side no matter what. Their friendship was powerful in that way. The ending was a bit abrupt and left questions unanswered. Did Lena and Campbell continue their friendship or was it just this one night? I wanted to see it go beyond. It wasn’t as political as I thought it would be and I would almost like a bit more conversation on police brutality and racism included here. Overall, I was disappointed but didn’t hate it
Erin Leeper
I teach 9th and 10th grade English, and I bought this book for my classroom. I read it first, and it definitely gave me perspective on the different views between these two cultures. I enjoyed it, and now my students are enjoying in as it is now part of my classroom library.
Natalia
Mixed feelings about this book. The synopsis grabbed my attention and sparked curiosity, and the storyline definitely makes you want to not put the book down so you can find out what happens. However, I just found the book so stereotypical of the two races to the point that it was unnecessary to the story. There was a little character growth but not much. Then, the ending was a little rushed and abrupt. I guess after you finish you think there's not a great way to end it, but it just left me wanting a little more.
Wendy Hendricks
I read a book a day, and I’m rarely moved to write a review, but this book warrants it. I purchased “I’m Not Dying With You Tonight” after hearing Ms. Jones’ passionate, compelling, and heartbreaking interview on social media. I wanted more of her words, so I bought her book. The story of two high school girls, one black, one white, trying to make their way home through a city in turmoil, immediately drew me in, and I read it in one sitting. Lena and Campbell ( was such a Campbell in high school) are believable teenagers, thrown together on a harrowing journey. The development of their relationship, complete with the stumbling blocks, make them more and more real. their story will stay with me for a long, long, time.
