Texas A&M Press releases Garnett’s book about Uvalde school shooting

UVALDE – Texas A&M University Press has released Uvalde Leader-News owner and publisher Craig Garnett’s book “Uvalde’s Darkest Hour.”

Garnett’s firsthand experience covering the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary provides critical insights for those seeking to understand the impact of the tragedy on the Uvalde community.

Garnett chronicles the initial moments of the shooting using the Department of Justice report, which federal officials presented in January 2024. He vividly details the newspaper’s coverage, the community’s response, the experiences of the victims’ families, and how these experiences connect to Uvalde’s history.

Garnett joined the newspaper as its general manager in November 1982. He took ownership of the twice-weekly publication in 1989.

Garnett has won dozens of regional and state press awards for column and editorial writing over the last four decade, and was awarded the Tom and Pat Gish award for courage, integrity and tenacity in rural journalism in 2023. His post-tragedy commentary has attracted national attention.

The book is dedicated to shooting victims Alexandria “Lexi” Aniya Rubio, the daughter of longtime newspaper staff member Kimberly Mata-Rubio, and Nevaeh Alyssa Bravo, Jacklyn “Jackie” J. Cazares, Jose Manuel Flores Jr., Eliahna “Ellie” Garcia, Irma Linda Garcia, Uziyah Garcia, Amerie Jo Garza, Xavier Lopez, Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, Tess Marie Mata, Maranda Gail Mathis, Eva Mireles, Alithia Haven Ramirez, Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, Maite Yuleana Rodriguez, Layla Marie Salazar, Makenna Lee Elrod-Seiler, Jailah Nicole Silguero, Eliahana Torres, and Rojelio Fernandez Torres.

Garnett’s share of royalties from sales of the book will go to a permanent memorial for Robb School victims. The memorial’s scope and location are in development.

The book is available for purchase online through TAMU Press (pressbookorders@tamu.edu) or phone (800-826-8911), independent bookstores, and online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart. It is also available at the Uvalde Leader-News office, 110 N. East St. The list price is $30.