I think I liked the flow of Booked better than The Crossover, but I liked the story of this book much better. I felt like Nick acted out of character in Booked and that Josh was more believable. I guess I've read Kwame's books all out of order because I started with Solo earlier this year. Call me late to the party, I suppose. Still, it's a pretty good party to be at.

The author creates such beautiful and realistic imagery with so few words. His poetry really is a masterpiece, and even though the subject isn't going to grab my heart like it does for others, I can certainly recognize the craftsmanship.

I love book-talking this and I doubt there's a boy in my classroom who hasn't read this book. So, thank you Kwame for making my kids (especially the boys) want to read and for presenting black male characters who are articulate and smart without sacrificing their blackness and who they are.

Absolutely. Lovely.