“dad, i just want to know how to not be the next hashtag”

- Reed, Chapter 9, “Decide Not to Be Reduced: Maya Angelou”

A normal day. Until two siblings are accused of crimes they didn’t commit. Come Home Safe explores the pain, the truths, and the hopes that come with growing up as a person of color in America, as well as why “the talk” and discussions about social justice are so important in the community. This engaging YA novel from ABC News legal analyst Brian Buckmire is told in a way that can help foster conversations about what it means to navigate today’s world, as well as inspire ways to work toward change.

When Reed and Olive left home, they never imagined they’d find themselves questioned, searched, and thrown to the ground by police looking for suspects in recent crimes. As their worst fears become reality, they must find a way to “prove” their innocence and make it home safe once again.

Come Home Safe is perfect for:

Fans of contemporary fiction and true-to-life stories
People interested in social justice and societal change
Parents and teachers looking to start a conversation and have “the talk” with their teens
Anyone looking to better understand America today
Young adult readers of Angie Thomas, Nic Stone, Ibi Zoboi, and Jason Reynolds

From ABC News legal analyst and NYC Legal Aid Society public defender Brian Buckmire, this compelling story draws from real-life advice, lessons, and conversations with attorneys, law enforcement, and the wrongfully accused to help turn the whispers and family discussions about racial inequality and mistreatment into wider conversations, healing, and one day … change.

“In come home safe, brian buckmire has crafted a story that looks the reality of police brutality in the eye and still manages to come away with hope. it is a powerful book about the necessity of ‘the talk’ and what it means to be a teenager in our time.”

— Linsey Davis, ABC News Live Prime Anchor and Author

About Brian

Brian G. Buckmire is a senior staff NYC Public Defender in the Criminal Defense Practice and Homicide Defense Task Force at The Legal Aid Society, representing indigent clients in Brooklyn, NY.

He a Legal Contributor for ABC appearing on Nightline, ABC 20/20, ABC News Live, ABC Hulu Specials and Good Morning America. He is also a co-host for Law and Crime Daily, a nationally syndicated show covering the hottest cases and controversies from courtrooms nationwide. He has covered the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Tyre Nichols and many more.

In addition, he serves on the Board of Trustees for Coney Island Prep, a charter school in South Brooklyn.

Born in Toronto, of Caribbean heritage, Brian, his wife Victoria, and their son Reid live in New York.

“Perfect for the sociopolitical climate we’re in. A must read. Explains the struggle of being black in America when that’s the most dangerous thing to be.”

Reviewer

“If you liked The Hate U Give, this book is 100% for you! The book follows two young black teenagers who face the police in two separate stand offs where police brutality is at the full force. Racism, police politics and discrimination are the biggest themes throughout. In parts it was incredibly difficult to read but it is extremely important for everyone to read. It is a really quick read, with a YA writing style so it's easy and fast paced just with difficult topics. I would happily pick up more from this author in the future!”