We Can Be Heroes by Kyrie McCauley
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on September 7, 2021
ISBN: 0062885057
Pages: 368
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Fiction
Goodreads

We Can Be Heroes is a beautifully written book that successfully tackles multiple tough topics. The town of Bell reels after Cassie Queen is shot and killed at school by Nico Bell, her ex boyfriend and heir to Bell Firearms. The story of the aftermath is told from four different points of view, alternating between Cassie’s best friends Beck and Vivian (who was wounded in the shooting), activist podcaster Merit Logan, who is covering the shooting on her show, and Cassie herself, narrating in verse. 

 

This book addresses so many timely topics – domestic violence, gun violence, grief, trauma, friendship, misogyny – all laid bare for the reader to absorb.  Mature themes, diverse characters on a quest for vengeance and justice, stunning realism – this book will appeal to all teens and should be a staple in every library in Maine.

 

Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Lee Remick, York Middle School