How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon

Magoon's novel is relevant and current, given the spate of black teenage deaths due to gun violence.  Told from the various perspectives of neighborhood residents and gang members who witnessed the shooting  and friends and family of the victim, the novel addresses issues of justice for black youths and the challenge of staying clear of gang life.  Tariq Johnson, the main character, dies in the first pages but the nature of his involvement with the local gang and details of the incident that led to his death are full of contradictions.  Did he have a gun?  Was he wearing gang colors? Tension mounts as the main characters--the young woman who administered CPR and his best friend, Tyrell, try to come to terms with the the  hopelessness of life in a world of poverty and violence.  Very thought-provoking and moving.