Young adult author Christina Hammonds Reed will publish her debut novel “The Black Kids” September 1 with Simon & Schuster— and "Rafiki" filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu has already signed on to direct the screen version, Deadline reported on January 27.

"The Black Kids" is set in Los Angeles in the days following the brutal, televised 1992 beating of Rodney King by police officers. Instead of feeling anger about the incident, Black high school senior Ashley Bennett, who comes from a well-to-do family, is unconcerned. That changes when the police are acquitted of criminal charges stemming from the violence and riots break out close to Ashley’s home. 

Writer Allison Davis ("David Makes Man" and "The Underground Railroad") will adapt the novel for the big screen.