“ There is an amazing, incredible honesty and remarkably genuine quality to the voices of these characters, even (or, rather, especially) in their most heightened moments. Robinson has a remarkable ear for the spirit of speech. Her time as a teacher has made her a clear and vital conduit for the hearts and minds of our hurting youth. There is much to be said about the strength of these students, they're the best, they are survivors manifesting a salvation through art...but I was also struck by Tolivar, her patience and perception, her noticing the necessity of beauty in dark times. ”