Seniors Read Banned Books -- Out of Darkness by Ashley Hope Perez

According to PEN America, Texas holds the dubious distinction of having the most banned books in our nation. This historical fiction novel is certainly one of them. 

Centered around the small East Texas community of New London, it recounts the natural gas explosion of their school in 1937, which killed over 300 students and teachers. That historical tragedy provides background to a love story between a Mexican-American girl and an African-American boy. Ending in tragedy, the book explores the lingering scent of racism and undercurrent of violence.