We Can Be Heroes

July 15, 2021
Friends of a young woman shot to death by her boyfriend are visited by her ghost in this novel set in a small town whose economy is reliant on a local gun manufacturer. Told in effective alternating third-person narration, one of which is in verse form, this powerful story of the friendship between Beck, Vivian, and Cassie is at once an intensely personal tale of traumatic grief and an examination of domestic violence and the sociopolitical forces of the gun lobby. Distinct voices are established for each of the three young women. Both Beck, an artist and boundary pusher, and Vivian, determined and practical, have been forever changed by the murder-suicide that killed Cassie and also injured Vivian. Their grief drives them to illegally stage and paint murals of Cassie based on various Greek mythological characters all over their town. That Cassie's murderer was the privileged son of the owner of Bell Firearms accelerates the tension as Beck and Vivian struggle to draw attention to the horror of what happened to their friend. Transcripts of a podcast about domestic violence are also mixed into the narrative, impressively augmenting the already varied structure. Though the auspicious end seems somewhat aspirational, it fits with the fierce search for justice undertaken by its characters. All main characters seem to be White. A heartbreaking, intelligent exploration of an all-too-real menace. (Fiction. 14-18)

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August 30, 2021
In McCauley’s (If These Wings Could Fly) searing novel, queer artist Beck Jones and sensible EMT Vivian Hughes are still reeling five months after their mutual best friend Cassie Queen was shot and killed by her abusive ex-boyfriend Nico Bell, who then died by suicide. When Beck and Vivian accidentally reconnect, they’re joined by an unexpected guest: Cassie’s ghost. The three girls, cued as white, decide to exact vengeance on Nico’s father’s company, Bell Firearms, by painting Greek mythology–inspired murals in Cassie’s honor throughout their small town of Bell, “one of the most pro-gun places in the country.” But the more Beck and Vivian avoid confronting their grief, the more reckless they become. Told in a shifting third-person point of view between Beck and Vivian, with Cassie’s perspective conveyed in first-person verse, and supplemented by podcast transcripts that provide illuminating exposition on gendered gun violence, the narrative explores trauma, privilege, and the power of the characters’ righteous anger. Though it paradoxically positions Cassie’s tragedy as systemic and—especially regarding police response—exceptional, this layered story succeeds in being both a tear-jerking love letter to female friendship and an informative page-turner. Ages 13–up. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary & Media.

Starred review from September 1, 2021

Gr 10 Up-Five months ago, Nico, the heir to Bell Firearms, took his father's guns to school, killing his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Queen, and himself. Beck and Vivian always had trouble getting along and were only friends because of Cassie. One night, Vivian catches Beck painting a mural based on Greek mythology to bring awareness to Cassie's murder and how it could have been prevented. Vivian decides to help Beck, and together they plan other murals, which causes a stir in town. The girls aren't alone in the quest for vengeance. Cassie's ghost is haunting Beck's van and hoping for justice. A local podcast is also covering the murals and what happened to Cassie. McCauley's latest novel is a well-written and enjoyable read on a controversial topic. Gun control is a significant aspect of this book, as is relationship abuse as readers learn Nico was violent towards Cassie. The book is divided into sections for each of the murals created. Within these, the story includes Beck and Vivian's perspectives written in prose, Cassie's written in verse, and transcripts of different episodes from the podcast. Beck and Vivian's perspectives are distinct, and Cassie's point of view adds an even more powerful layer. The characters' races are never explicitly stated, but Beck is mentioned as having red hair, and Vivian is often referred to as having dark braids. Hair color is the only indicator for other characters as well. VERDICT A worthy purchase for libraries.-Amanda Borgia, Uniondale P.L., NY

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2021
Grades 8-12 Cassandra Queen's death has been called many things: a great tragedy, unavoidable, something nobody could have seen coming. But the truth is, it could have likely been avoided if only Cassie had been believed. But even with bruises on her neck left by Nico Bell, the sheriff and Nico's father (the CEO of Bell Firearms) are worried more about the town's reputation than Cassie's. With a desire for vengeance and justice, Beck and Vivian (both white)--along with the ghost of Cassie, who appears in Beck's van--start painting murals around town. Before long, Merit Logan (white) features them on her podcast, which focuses on the connection between firearms and violence against women. In her sophomore novel, Morris Award winner McCauley (If These Wings Could Fly, 2020) crafts a timely and bold narrative, exploring the emotions from three unique perspectives, punctuated by transcripts of Merit Logan's podcast, We Can Be Heroes. Heartbreaking and hopeful, this story of friendship and fierce loyalty is a sharp and affecting commentary on domestic violence and gun control for modern-day teen readers.

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