Suitabook

When Our Worlds Collided

Danielle Jawando

Reading: Consider reading alongside the teenager, pausing after the opening incident and later discussions of racism or injustice. Invite them to distinguish characters’ experiences from the ways institutions and media portray them.
Themes: Racism and racial identity: Jackson is told by a friend that he does not behave like other Black men; the protagonists also face discrimination in daily life. The novel presents racial stereotyping and discrimination as harmful social pressures, while exploring varied Black experiences.
Media and institutional justice: After the stabbing, a young Black victim is portrayed by some school friends, police and media as though he deserved what happened. The described treatment directs criticism towards racialised injustice and harmful public narratives, rather than presenting them as neutral.
Friendship across difference: Marc, Chantelle and Jackson come from markedly different circumstances but find strength and comfort in their growing friendship. The book presents this favourably.
Worth knowing: The story involves witnessing a stabbing, followed by anger about how the victim is portrayed. The book also includes racism, discrimination, care experience, sexuality, foster care and media reporting.