Testify

Short-listed for the Forest of Reading Red Maple Award, 2012 Before you judge me, there are two things you should know about why I did it. Shana Tremain is a good kid. She knows right from wrong and she’s never been in any serious trouble. But when her best friend, Carrie, comes to her for help, Shana agrees to break the law to save Carrie from a molester. She even feels good about it for a while. Then trouble starts. Someone in their group of friends is stealing from the others. As she searches for the truth, Shana uncovers evidence that raises a terrifying question: Has she made a horrible mistake? Faced with the reality of what she’s done, Shana finds herself trapped in a web of her own lies and deceit. Can she convince the right people that she’s telling the truth now? Either way it’s clear someone is going to pay a terrible price for her crime.

"Sue Kwon's undeniable hip-hop résumé should be bowed down to! Sue is definitely one of the greats in visually capturing a culture." -Posdnuos of De La Soul The last decade of the 20th century into the first decade of the 21st represent a High Renaissance age of hip hop--an era in which rap music had reached critical mass and was exploding, and in which New York City itself witnessed the worldwide ascension and cultural domination of its powerful homegrown art form. In Rap Is Risen: New York Photographs 1988-2008, celebrated photographer Sue Kwon documents this era with a combination of incisive portraits and unposed, spontaneous images that capture the energy of these ascendant artists and the city itself. With access to some of rap music's biggest legends--some stars already, some at the cusp of their fame--Kwon's work offers an intimacy rarely seen in the hip hop photography of the time. The Wu-Tang Clan, Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Big Pun, Eminem, Mobb Deep, the Beastie Boys, Big L, Ice Cube, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest are all represented here, as well as dozens of other DJs and artists that communed with Kwon to produce these images. Method Man brushing his teeth, Fat Joe playing softball in the Bronx, Prince Paul kissing his baby son--the trust inherent between subject and photographer is evident in intimate, joyful shots like these. Giving a rare glimpse into real rap culture, and featuring 300 photographs, most of which have never been published before, Rap Is Risenis a necessary offering to music history and the faithful followers of hip hop. Sue Kwonbegan her career at the Village Voiceand went on to shoot primarily hip hop artists for record labels such as Def Jam, Sony and Loud Records. Recent commercial collaborations include MCM, Sergio Tacchini and Carhartt WIP national campaigns.

Short-listed for the Forest of Reading Red Maple Award, 2012 Before you judge me, there are two things you should know about why I did it. Shana Tremain is a good kid. She knows right from wrong and she’s never been in any serious trouble. But when her best friend, Carrie, comes to her for help, Shana agrees to break the law to save Carrie from a molester. She even feels good about it for a while. Then trouble starts. Someone in their group of friends is stealing from the others. As she searches for the truth, Shana uncovers evidence that raises a terrifying question: Has she made a horrible mistake? Faced with the reality of what she’s done, Shana finds herself trapped in a web of her own lies and deceit. Can she convince the right people that she’s telling the truth now? Either way it’s clear someone is going to pay a terrible price for her crime.

How often do believers share their personal encounters with the living God? The author skillfully leads the reader through the personal dramas of 80 testimonies and delivers stunning experiences through the eyes of the many testifying witnesses. (Christian Religion)

Masika Akilah's gripping memoir, "I Am Summoned to Testify," takes readers on an extraordinary journey through her relentless spiritual battle against seemingly insurmountable forces – CPS, police, sheriff, civil departments, and even principalities. The narrative unfolds with the author's public protests against a preacher/contractor, capturing attention on news channels, Facebook, and YouTube. From the alleged halting of house construction to the confrontation over a stolen cabinet, Masika reveals a saga that goes beyond personal grievances. Her life takes an unexpected turn, leading her to exit the real estate industry due to the preacher/contractor's actions. Embark on a roller-coaster journey as Masika recounts the intense struggles she faced, from delays in housing projects to legal battles, eviction, and even a nervous breakdown. The memoir offers a detailed timeline, delving into the depths of despair and the miraculous triumphs that ensued. Masika's poignant story explores themes of faith, resilience, and the unforeseen lessons learned through adversity. It is a testament to the unwavering strength found in one's connection with a higher power. The narrative navigates through bitter moments, faltering faith, and the importance of fighting against bitterness before it consumes the soul. The memoir delves into the author's deep relationship with God, unraveling how a life tragedy exposed masked players and led to a profound spiritual awakening. From financial struggles to battles with CPS, APS, and confrontations with family members, Masika's journey becomes a testimony of personal growth and purpose. "I Am Summoned to Testify" is not just a memoir; it is a spiritual guide, offering solace to those facing similar trials. With transparency and vulnerability, Masika Akilah shares her thorny path from valleys to mountaintops, proving that, in the end, holding steadfast to God's unchanging hands is the ultimate victory.

This book is for all those who wonder about the existence of a Supreme Being, who He is and His marvelous plan as our Father for His children.

Poetry. TESTIFY (Octopus Books), Simone John's first full-length book of poems, experiments with documentary poetics to uplift stories of black people impacted by state-sanctioned violence. The book's first section weaves Rachel Jeantel's testimony in the Trayvon Martin trial with Kendrick Lamar lyrics, fixed form and found poems, and personal artifacts. The second section centers on the audio of the dashboard recording that captured Sandra Bland's fatal police encounter. Excerpts from this exchange are punctuated with elegies for other dead black women, creating a larger commentary about race and gender- based violence. TESTIFY is ultimately a book of witness. It "burdens" its readers "with knowing." Combined, both chapters serve as an unflinching critique of race and gender supremacy in the United States.