This book spoke to me like a storm pounding on the windows of my mind.The story is so profound because it doesn't have all the loose ends tied up at the end. I felt the theme of racism in America's earlier years was revealed in a more personal way then in "To Kill a Mockingbird" yet the seriousness and social issues are so similar (especially in the second book).The main character, Cassie, is so fiesty yet so likeable. Sometimes all she wants to do is hit someone...scream at her world. Other times, all she wants to do is have friends, play games, enjoy being a kid.The family dynamic is amazing. The author really put a lot of effort into this book and it shows. It's fll of suspense and very thought provoking. It will make you want to read them all (which I did).