One of New York Public Librarys Best Books of 2020New York Public Librarys New & NoteworthyPowerful in its impact while remaining true to its middle-grade audience, Sumrows latest is unafraid to fully explore how hate, misplaced anger, and racism can affect the relationship between a boy and his father.--BooklistThirteen-year-old Rebel Mercer yearns for his fathers approval. His dad suffers from PTSD and spends time in their basement communicating with a racist, anti-government militia group called the Flag Bearers. He doesnt agree with his dads ideology, but he isnt exactly speaking out against it either. Can Rebel find his voice when its needed the most?Thirteen-year-old Rebel Mercer lives in west Texas with his dad, Nathan, and his aunt, Birdie. His dad is finally home after serving in the military, and Rebel longs for his approval. But something isnt right. His dad has PTSD, and lately he has been spending his time communicating with a racist, anti-government militia group called the Flag Bearers. Rebel doesnt agree with his dads newfound ideas, but he turns a blind eye to them. So when his best friend Ajeet beats Rebel at a robotics tournament by using one of Rebels pieces, Rebel begins to wonder if theres some truth to what his dad has been saying, and he lashes out at Ajeet.Expelled from school, Rebel is taken by his dad to the mountains of Oklahoma, where they meet up with the Flag Bearers. Soon his dad is engulfed in the group and its activities, and theyre becoming more and more dangerous. When Rebel gets wind of a planned attack on an African American church, he knows that this group has gone too far and innocent people could get hurt. Can Rebel find his voice and stop the Flag Bearers from carrying out their plans before its too late?The Inside Battle is a gripping story of family, bravery, and speaking up for whats right from author Melanie Sumrow.
