To save her son from a legal system bent on sending African-American men to jail, a young mother agrees to an unprecedented controversial defense offered up from a team of crack lawyers, and this debut novel that speaks to race class and Justice in america. Janae Williams, I never miss the day of work single mother, has devoted her whole life to properly raising her son. From the time Malik could walk, Janae taught him that the best way to stay alive and out of trouble with the law was to cooperate. Terrified for his safety, she warned him to " raise your hands high, keep your mouth shut, and do whatever they say" if stop by the police. But when a wave of murders hits Philadelphia and 15-year-old Malik is arrested, Janae's terror is compounded by guilt and doubt. Woul Malik be in jail if he had run? Pre-owned some markings in tears torn out page