Pushing Hope: An Illustrated Memoir of Survival [Other book format]

At age 14, Raymond Santana was wrongly accused of the 1989 rape of a jogger in Central Park, and in this illustrated memoir, Santana takes readers through his imprisonment and exoneration in 2002, using art and creativity as sources of hope and strength. Simultaneous and eBook. Illustrations.

"The 1989 rape of a jogger in Central Park was pinned on 14-year-old Raymond Santana and four other young teens-now called the Exonerated Five-a tragedy that would change their lives forever. In this illustrated memoir, Santana reflects on his wrongful conviction and tireless fight for his exoneration"-- Provided by publisher.

? School Library Journal, starred review

“This is what justice looks like. We are told we live in an age of few if any heroes, but Raymond Santana is a real genuine hero. His story is one of unbelievable courage in the face of rampant injustice and impressive resilience as he maintains his dignity and in the face of obstacles that would destroy many of us. Bravo!” —Ken Burns, filmmaker

One of the Central Park Five reflects on his wrongful conviction—and tireless fight for his 2002 exoneration—in this moving young adult illustrated memoir.

Raymond Santana’s story is an example to teens of the power of hope and resilience—and the importance of fighting injustice to stand up for what’s right.

When Raymond Santana was just 14, he was accused of a crime he didn’t commit. The 1989 rape of a jogger in Central Park was pinned on Santana and four other young teens, a tragedy that would change their lives forever.

In this powerful illustrated memoir, Raymond Santana takes readers on a journey from his move to Harlem, to his arrest and trial, and from his time in prison to his ongoing fight for justice. Exonerated in 2002, Santana has made it his mission to fight wrongful convictions and injustice. What has sustained him and given him the strength for that fight, is his creativity—art and fashion have always been a refuge and a source of hope.

Teaming up with celebrated artist Keith Henry Brown, Raymond Santana shows in vivid color how one can survive by pushing a message of hope.