CHANGE THE REF
Joaquin’s First School Shooting
Illustrating the horror of America’s gun epidemic
The safety of children in our schools has become a politicized issue, but it’s no coincidence that the country with the most guns also has the most school shootings.
Words haven’t moved the congresspeople with the power to change the laws, so this book illustrates the horror of America’s gun epidemic for them in a way that even a child could understand: from the perspective of one of its victims.
Joaquin Oliver was one of 17 people killed by a mass shooter on Valentine’s Day, 2018, at a high school in Parkland, Florida. His story is a heartbreaking combination of accounts reported by his surviving classmates.
“Harrowing.”
THE INDEPENDENT
In the week ahead of Mother’s Day, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) took to the House Floor and read the book in its entirety to the U.S. House Of Representatives.
Joaquin’s mother, Patricia Oliver, also met in person in D.C. with representatives from both sides of the aisle, who read the book together with her.
“Brutal to read […] a disturbing work of art […] meant to evoke resistance and outrage.”
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE
Over 1000 books have been sent to congressional representatives by members of the public.
The story has earned over 2 billion news and broadcast impressions internationally.
