Split the Sky

Gr 9 Up–Fifteen-year-old Lala Russell lives in a small Texas town where the Confederate flag is a constant reminder of the racism permeating through the area. Lala wants to focus on playing the cello at her elite music school so that she can leave the town and its racism behind. Unfortunately for Lala, her family’s gift of Flashing, seeing glimpses of the future, does not give her that privilege. When Lala witnesses a Flash that could make a major change in social justice but cost the life of one of her classmates, she must make a choice: save one Black life or make life better for all Black lives. Lala’s dilemma of what to do is marked by struggle as she tries to decide the right course of action. Family members and a good friend help Lala as she tries to figure out what her decision will be. Pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement are featured and help highlight what the events of the Flash could mean for Black Americans. An unexpected twist will have readers thinking long past reading the final page.