“Literacy lets you pick freedom.”

Vivian Bynoe

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Snitchers

Snitcher Book Cover

by Stephanie Dunn, Lee & Low Books, 2022

Dr. Stephanie Dunn is a multi-talented scholar and creative force, having written, co-directed, and produced two short films. She shares her expertise as a Professor at Morehouse College, teaching courses in screenwriting, documentary filmmaking, creative writing, African American Cinema, and film criticism.  She was also instrumental in establishing the Morehouse Cinema, Television & Emerging Media Studies (CTEMS) major.

Those who enjoyed the Nancy Drew mysteries will enjoy Snitchers. The novel follows the life of Nia, who tragically arrives at the home of Little Petey, the young boy that she babysat as he lay slain, lifeless on the sidewalk after being struck by a bullet. No one knows whose bullet hit him, or if they do, they are not speaking up. This is the second person Nia has lost to gun violence, with the first one being her father, whose killer was never found. This time, Nia cannot just sit around and do nothing. What would Nancy Drew do? She would solve the mystery. Nia plans to do the same with her two friends Dontay and Miracle Ruth. 

The novel tackles the realities of gun violence in America. Throughout the story, as Nia watches the local news with her mother and grandmother, the reporters talk about the violent incidents throughout the neighborhood. Nia also has a pen pal, Alima, in Palestine who lost people close to her due to war. I like the connection Dunn makes with the pen pals. Even though they are worlds apart, they both have to grapple with the impact violence has had on their families. Nia and her friends use every resource they have to solve the crime while getting into a little bit of trouble along the way. 

What Works

I enjoyed reading this book that reminded me of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. The Young Adult novel has just the right amount of action and character development. Nia, Dontay, and Miracle Ruth all evolve throughout the novel as they prepare to head to high school. They deal with normal teen issues such as developing crushes and changing bodies. The story is very realistic and believable. The story is also about empowerment. The teens make an impact with their investigative research, which shows that even a small tip can make a difference, and we do not have to stick to the “no snitching” code. 

What Doesn’t Work

There are descriptions of the aftermath of violence that some readers may find disturbing. However, these scenes are a necessary component of the story’s plot. Those who do not want to read about the realities of gun violence and war in other countries will not enjoy that aspect of the book. However, the violence does not overtake the entire story and is no different than what you would see on the local news. 

Pass It OR Grab It?: Grab it. Young adults and even adults will enjoy this book. You will be kept on the edge of your seat trying to guess who committed the crime as the three teenagers uncover clues. 

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Vivian Bynoe

Vivian Bynoe, MLIS is an Assistant Professor and Head of Reference and Instruction at Lane Library, Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus. As the liaison to the College of Education and Social Sciences, she works closely with professors to promote information literacy skills in students. She is a member of The American Library Association and active in the Georgia Library Association. Her work with promoting literacy began prior to her academic career when she worked in the children’s department of a public library in Charlotte, North Carolina. There she developed an expertise in readers’ advisory for Children’s and Young Adult Literature. She is a fellow of The Red Clay Writing Institute at The University of Georgia. Her other interests include promoting critical literacy, motivating and educating non-traditional students, assisting underserved communities in gaining access to information, and promoting diversity initiatives in the library and the larger community. Vivian Bynoe can be contacted at: vbynoe@georgiasouthern.edu