Description: On May 4, 1970, the campus of Kent State University became focus of Americans' tolerance for the Vietnam War, as National Guardsmen opened fire on unarmed student protestors, killing four and wounding nine. It was one of the first true school shootings in our nation's history. A YA debut novel brings to life the social turmoil.
Review Quotes:
"The simmering love of Rachel, a budding artist, for Evan, a maimed Vietnam vet, explodes beneath the thunderclouds of political tumult and student rebellion. You savor every sentence, but, knowing where it's heading, you can't turn the pages fast enough. Kent State is a spot-on historical drama and one visceral, thrilling debut!" -Tony Abbott, award winning author of Firegirl "LEAVING KENT STATE does what excellent historical fiction is supposed to do--it breathes life into an era. Through the eyes of its young protagonist, this well-researched novel recreates the tensions in Kent, Ohio, during the Vietnam War years and the tragedy that resulted. Readers will love Sabrina Fedel's masterfully drawn characters, her compelling plot, and her rich prose. This is the debut novel of a sensitive and accomplished writer." -Patricia Harrison Easton, author of Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award winner Davey's Blue-Eyed Frog "A poignant and gripping tale of a young girl's love for a Vietnam Vet played out against state-side resistance to an immoral war. The ensuing violence on a college campus is conveyed with stunning historical accuracy." -Pat Lowery Collins, acclaimed author of The Fattening Hut and Hidden Voices