Mann lost his younger brother, Jason, two years ago–an innocent bystander in a shooting on his own porch. These murders are a frequent occurrence in Mann’s neighborhood. They’re so common, in fact, that he and his best friend, Kee-lee, keep a running tally of all the deceased, since no one else seems to be paying attention. Even that is not enough. More and more, Mann escapes reality through painting and horseback riding, but eventually turns to fighting, cheap thrills, and much worse. In a last-ditch effort, Mann’s father does the one thing he thinks will teach his son how to survive. Drawing from an ancient African tradition, he abandons Mann and Kee-lee in the woods, leaving them to navigate their way home, alone. What seems like a good idea quickly turns tragic when a father’s good intentions force his son down a destructive path. Could anything be worse than losing one son? Another wrong turn and it will all be over for Mann as well. Bang! This realistic portrait of inner-city life is both sober and transcendent. Through its honesty, listeners are compelled to open their eyes to what’s happening in their own homes and in the world around them.
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"This book was really interesting & I couldn't stop reading it..I think I read this book in about 3 days..I took it everywhere I went..It was about a boy name Man and he had a friend name Kee-Lee they grew up in a very poor part of town and people were killed everyday..they bot were really good artists & used this to make money. Soon after Mans father abandoned him and Kee-Lee moved in with Kee-Lees aunt..but one day while they were painting for a man everything changed...."
— Elizabeth (5 out of 5 stars)
" this book is really nice. it's about a boy who is really suffering from his brother's death. and goes through differnt changes with his parent while they are all trying really hard to forget about the death.they are trying to get everything back to normal, but how can they with the lose of jason? "
— Regina, 2/5/2014" it was a graet book "
— Keith, 1/20/2014" I am reading this with a group of 12 reluctant, male, seventh grade readers in a gender specific book club. They love it. I think it's okay. I had to say "tits" during a read aloud. They were so engrossed it wasn't weird for them. I wanted to kill myself. They just wanted another chapter. "
— Sarah, 11/25/2013" I absolutely loved this book. This book really graned my attention. I think that I was so interested because of the fact that I could really relate to the book especially to the main character. Some teenagers probably wouldn't like the book or maybe the may not even understand. I would recommend this book too many teens who can relate more to the story.l "
— Liyah, 11/16/2013" BANG! is a great book to read but a tale told. Mann the main character has to deal with his brother Jason's death while living in the neighborhood who has killed him. "
— Imani, 11/8/2013" it a good book because it kind of a sad story. Mann little brother was shot when he was little so they family is going though a hard time. Mann been though a lot after his brother died like kick out of school and being bullied on. it sad how the mother think Jason is still home and the father doesn't care very much. The Father Put Mann though Hell. "
— Melissa, 11/5/2013" There is nothing really wrong with this book, I just didn't enjoy it every much. I didn't feel very connected to the main character and I wasn't a big fan of the storyline. However, I do think it might capture the interest of its target audience. "
— Molly, 10/7/2013" IT WAS REALLY GOOD. i just started this book on Wednesday and finished during my TA block on Thursday. it grabs your attention and doean't ltt you go if you like a good sad read then this is the book or you. "
— Olivia, 10/7/2013" I cared so much about the characters that I was VERY disappointed with the choices that they made! "
— Kim, 3/18/2013" this book is my favorite book ever in the history of books!!!!!!!!! "
— Analia, 3/11/2013" This book is all about a boy who lost his little brother and by then decision of his father has to live his life on his own. despite what he's all the odds he finds a way to survive. "
— Kadian, 2/17/2013" i think this is a good book.Because many young kids can relate to it. "
— Troy8e, 6/25/2012" Bang is about boys who have to grow up in the middle of the "Philly Hood." It talks about their life and times they had and how they over came every they went through. Good Book about family too. "
— Clayton, 5/3/2012" Bang! was a good book, I did not like his dad at all. I would never do that to my child I'm not going to say what he did because I dont want to give away the story. I think every one should read this book. I also like that poem on the first pages "Boys are not Men Yet." "
— Daisy, 4/5/2012" This book is a page turne i really enjoyed it. A highlight of this book was how Mann toke his situation and turned it into a positive. i would recommend this book to any one who enjoys reading african american litrature. "
— Alana, 3/24/2012" i don't really like this is book because the boy in the book died and it's was so sad i was crying when the litter boy died. My favorite part in this book is when the boy mother was yelling "
— Jebbeh, 3/1/2012" How do I read it !!!! "
— Andrea, 12/30/2011" its to sad so I stoped reading it. "
— Kaeleigh, 12/12/2011" this book is about a kid named jason who gets shot and his brother does everything in his power to find the killer. he said that he would have never got shot if he wasnt in the barn not watching his brother on the porch. "
— Gerald, 9/28/2011" REALLY AWESOME BOOK ! the ending didn't fit the whole book "
— Ruth, 9/26/2011" It a life Changing book! "
— Joel, 5/10/2011" This book is all about a boy who lost his little brother and by then decision of his father has to live his life on his own. despite what he's all the odds he finds a way to survive. "
— Kadian, 5/8/2011" This book is great for kids who can relate to the violent environment in which Mann lives and the challenges he faces. It had fairly simple language, but does dive into the complexity of relationships that are under stress. Overall, a decent book... "
— Brittani, 5/1/2011" Nice Book!! This Book Explain The Problems That Teenagers Go Through In Real Life. "
— Jordanieo, 4/14/2011" a boy going through some hard times "
— Miasha, 2/25/2011" This was a very interesting book, i just don't like the way it ended but i do recommend it so hey, you decide. "
— Da'Yonna, 2/3/2011" BANG! is a great book to read but a tale told. Mann the main character has to deal with his brother Jason's death while living in the neighborhood who has killed him. "
— Imani, 1/20/2011Sharon Flake is the author of the award-winning novel, The Skin I’m In, which was named a Publishers Weekly Flying Start. Since then she has become a multiple Coretta Scott King Award–winner and has been hailed as the voice of middle-grade youth by the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. Many of her novels have received Notable Book and Best Book for Young Adults citations from the American Library Association. Her writing has been applauded for its on-point narrative that explores issues affecting teens from all walks of life. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dominic Hoffman, winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards for narration, has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice. He is a Los Angeles–based actor of stage, screen, and television. He has appeared in such television shows as The Shield, NYPD Blue, and The Jamie Foxx Show. He attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art as well as the American Conservatory Theater.