One of the things that I look for when it comes to recommending books to my children and younger patrons at the library are those works that deal with important issues and try to convey a deeper truth.

In the midst of all of the more fluff of young adult literature there is a surprising amount of depth. The lessons in the Harry Potter series, for example, are replete with important lessons on friendship, faith and courage. The latest John Green offering Will Grayson, Will Grayson is an important entry in YA books dealing with LGBT issues.

That capacity to teach and inform is one of the things that drew me to Banks’ short novel. Set in 1937 Alabama James “Brother” Longstreet Sayres has lived a virtually cloistered existence among other white people. After a tragic incident changes his family dynamic his life changes and, ultimately, he will befriend another boy his same age. The only difference is that Champion Always Lucky is black. Unfortunately, that kind of relationship does not set well with some people.

Banks does a great job introducing race issues to younger readers while at the same time keeping a tone light enough to avoid being too somber a read. I would have appreciated a bit more character development but ultimately this book works because it broaches a subject that is still timely today and does so without being heavy handed.

A worthwhile read, especially for the 9-11 set.

For more information make sure you go to the Peachtree publishing blog here.