"The Nickel Boys" by Colson Whitehead is a novel inspired by the real-life story of a reform school in Florida that operated for over a century, where boys, predominantly African American, faced abuse and injustice. The story follows Elwood Curtis, a promising young black man, who is sent to the Nickel Academy after a misunderstanding. There, he befriends Turner, a cynical and street-smart boy, and together they navigate the brutal realities of the school's oppressive environment. Through their friendship and experiences, the novel explores themes of race, justice, and the enduring impact of systemic racism in America.
