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Something Like Right
A contemporary young adult novel about a biracial Black and white teen boy who contends with a life-altering year at an alternative school, showing a raw glimpse into the systemic inequality experienced by young people in racialized communities.
Zay’s ma always said his mouth would get him in trouble. Sure enough, it got him into his first and only fight in his junior year of high school. Expelled from his district, Zay’s only hope for redemption is to transfer to Broadlawn Alternative School and complete the year.
Zay isn’t thrilled about the disgusting school lunch and classroom trailers at Broadlawn, and boarding with his aunt Mel and her live-in boyfriend isn’t the greatest. But he’d rather be there than in the city dealing with his estranged father, his overbearing mother, and the fallout from his fight. Besides, Broadlawn has Feven, the beautiful new student Zay is starting to get to know—and fall for.
Still, first love is rarely a fairy tale, and as Zay’s time in Broadlawn comes to an end, he learns that shaping yourself within a new place is a lot harder than letting it shape you. But worth it, nonetheless.
A tender contemplation of first love, broken families, and healing generational trauma.
Zay’s ma always said his mouth would get him in trouble. Sure enough, it got him into his first and only fight in his junior year of high school. Expelled from his district, Zay’s only hope for redemption is to transfer to Broadlawn Alternative School and complete the year.
Zay isn’t thrilled about the disgusting school lunch and classroom trailers at Broadlawn, and boarding with his aunt Mel and her live-in boyfriend isn’t the greatest. But he’d rather be there than in the city dealing with his estranged father, his overbearing mother, and the fallout from his fight. Besides, Broadlawn has Feven, the beautiful new student Zay is starting to get to know—and fall for.
Still, first love is rarely a fairy tale, and as Zay’s time in Broadlawn comes to an end, he learns that shaping yourself within a new place is a lot harder than letting it shape you. But worth it, nonetheless.
A tender contemplation of first love, broken families, and healing generational trauma.
384 pages, ebook
First published August 20, 2024
4 people are currently reading
2623 people want to read
About the author
H.D. Hunter
8 books72 followersHugh “H.D.” Hunter is a storyteller and community organizer from Atlanta, Georgia. He’s the winner of several indie book awards for multicultural fiction.
Hugh is committed to #ownvoices stories about Black kids and their many expansive worlds.
He loves vegan snacks, basketball, and stories that make you cry -- but make you smile after.
Hugh is committed to #ownvoices stories about Black kids and their many expansive worlds.
He loves vegan snacks, basketball, and stories that make you cry -- but make you smile after.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley; RB Media; Recorded Books; Farrar, Straus, & Giroux; H. D. Hunter; and Torian Brackett (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of Something Like Right in exchange for an honest review.
Something Like Right follows Zay as he is expelled from his school district and sent to Broadlawn Alternative School for getting into one fight. His only fight ever. But the universe treats those of color more harshly. Zay must live with his aunt as he finishes the school year at Broadlawn, something he isn't very happy about. At least his aunt tends to care about him. His mother is distant, and his father has returned home from previous incarceration, not the kind of role model Zay aspires to.
Aside from a bad reputation, there is something Broadlawn has that Zay does like: Feven. She is the light to his darkness in the alternative school, and he even finds joy in tutoring her aunt to prepare for a citizenship test. While Zay's attraction falls into the fever of first love, he learns that there is more to friendship, high school, and personal goals than that of romance.
Zay soon learns that the mere mention of Broadlawn as a school he attends brings others to look down on him, but he won't let that stop him from finding his own way and exploring who he wants to be in life.
This is a brilliantly written novel that demonstrates how broken families are still family, explores first love and the feelings that can accompany such an experience, and finding meaning to one's purpose in exploring new paths in life.
Something Like Right shares the hardships that youth go through when they are expelled, and the kinds of reputations they may have for attending certain schools. This novel is a great demonstration that youth should never be judged by where they have been, but rather where they are going and where they want to be in their lives. Judgement often falls too harsh and too swift. This is an excellent novel for readers who have experienced a similar situation, educators, and young adult readers who want to see an alternative perspective and learn from that.
Something Like Right follows Zay as he is expelled from his school district and sent to Broadlawn Alternative School for getting into one fight. His only fight ever. But the universe treats those of color more harshly. Zay must live with his aunt as he finishes the school year at Broadlawn, something he isn't very happy about. At least his aunt tends to care about him. His mother is distant, and his father has returned home from previous incarceration, not the kind of role model Zay aspires to.
Aside from a bad reputation, there is something Broadlawn has that Zay does like: Feven. She is the light to his darkness in the alternative school, and he even finds joy in tutoring her aunt to prepare for a citizenship test. While Zay's attraction falls into the fever of first love, he learns that there is more to friendship, high school, and personal goals than that of romance.
Zay soon learns that the mere mention of Broadlawn as a school he attends brings others to look down on him, but he won't let that stop him from finding his own way and exploring who he wants to be in life.
This is a brilliantly written novel that demonstrates how broken families are still family, explores first love and the feelings that can accompany such an experience, and finding meaning to one's purpose in exploring new paths in life.
Something Like Right shares the hardships that youth go through when they are expelled, and the kinds of reputations they may have for attending certain schools. This novel is a great demonstration that youth should never be judged by where they have been, but rather where they are going and where they want to be in their lives. Judgement often falls too harsh and too swift. This is an excellent novel for readers who have experienced a similar situation, educators, and young adult readers who want to see an alternative perspective and learn from that.
February 17, 2025
I’m not just giving this 5 stars because I’m friends with the author…I really, really loved this book.
YA novels should be written like this—with an authentic voice! Zay just sounds like a 17 year old Black boy and his classmates and friends and family sound like who they’re supposed to be. Black kids should get to read books written for them about them (by them!!) You could really hear the author’s voice in this as well. Just a big fan of everything in this book
YA novels should be written like this—with an authentic voice! Zay just sounds like a 17 year old Black boy and his classmates and friends and family sound like who they’re supposed to be. Black kids should get to read books written for them about them (by them!!) You could really hear the author’s voice in this as well. Just a big fan of everything in this book
August 17, 2024
A moving coming of age YA story featuring a biracial teen boy sent to a new school after getting in a big fight. The book touches on class, race, broken families and unrequited love. Good on audio and perfect for fans of authors like Kacen Callender. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 14, 2024
"**Something Like Right**" by H. D. Hunter is a compelling exploration of youth and first love, captured with remarkable depth and authenticity. The characters are solid and relatable, with the story uniquely told from a male perspective, which adds a refreshing dimension. It beautifully portrays the common yet profound journey of a good kid who loses his way but finds his path again. The narrative is rich with the emotions of crushes, love, and the rollercoaster of feelings that accompany adolescence. This book is a heartfelt testament to the trials and triumphs of growing up.
August 20, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ALC of this book
This book was a fast engaging read that I highly enjoyed, we go through the journey of Zain a teenager who comes from a broken home & his coming-of-age story.
Zain is not very good at handling his emotions but how can you be when you have had no proper guidance with this due to not having a strong connection with your mother (who suffers badly from depression that she isolates and keeps a distance)
Zain feels alone and that no one will ever understand him when he finds out his father has been released from jail and moving back into the family home, Zain feels anger and confusion over why his mother would do this, feeling all this he gets involved in a fight which ends up with him being sent to a reform school for delinquent teens. Here he feels more alone and more misunderstood but finds a connection of friendship with Kenny a funny cocky student, but within days of him being at this school Zain experiences how a girl called Devon made him want to be better, see things better and become better... ( puppy love)
First love can lift you up and have you feeling like you can rule the world but can also confuse or destroy you.
But by the end of the book Zain is starting to feel, see and experience things differently.... growing up to reframe his mind and also to realise life is in the moments you share not the emotions of Baggage that can pull you apart.
Funny quick read that I highly enjoyed
This book was a fast engaging read that I highly enjoyed, we go through the journey of Zain a teenager who comes from a broken home & his coming-of-age story.
Zain is not very good at handling his emotions but how can you be when you have had no proper guidance with this due to not having a strong connection with your mother (who suffers badly from depression that she isolates and keeps a distance)
Zain feels alone and that no one will ever understand him when he finds out his father has been released from jail and moving back into the family home, Zain feels anger and confusion over why his mother would do this, feeling all this he gets involved in a fight which ends up with him being sent to a reform school for delinquent teens. Here he feels more alone and more misunderstood but finds a connection of friendship with Kenny a funny cocky student, but within days of him being at this school Zain experiences how a girl called Devon made him want to be better, see things better and become better... ( puppy love)
First love can lift you up and have you feeling like you can rule the world but can also confuse or destroy you.
But by the end of the book Zain is starting to feel, see and experience things differently.... growing up to reframe his mind and also to realise life is in the moments you share not the emotions of Baggage that can pull you apart.
Funny quick read that I highly enjoyed
December 23, 2024
Ahhh, Something Like Right is such a breath of fresh air. For starters, H.D. Hunter kicks things off on the day that the main character’s life is turned upside down- then, spends the rest of the book carefully illustrating how even the most unforeseen circumstances don’t have to determine your destiny.
Hunter does an excellent job crafting each character in a way that helps to unravel the complexities of what it means to love and be loved. Here, family dynamics, platonic relationships, and first loves are put on display through the inclusion of vulnerable conversations, uncomfortable encounters, and heartfelt reconciliations that seem right on time for the young adult reader- and maybe even those a little older who could also benefit from a refresher in some of those same universal lessons.
By the end of the book it was clear to me that Zay, the main character, is unlike any teenage boy i’ve ever encountered (in real life or in person)- and I think that’s part of what makes this book so special. While he still grapples with many of the same questions, fears, and milestone achievements as his peers, he maintains a good balance of his own sense of self and openness to the people and world around him, making him the perfect character to ride this type of story out with.
Hunter does an excellent job crafting each character in a way that helps to unravel the complexities of what it means to love and be loved. Here, family dynamics, platonic relationships, and first loves are put on display through the inclusion of vulnerable conversations, uncomfortable encounters, and heartfelt reconciliations that seem right on time for the young adult reader- and maybe even those a little older who could also benefit from a refresher in some of those same universal lessons.
By the end of the book it was clear to me that Zay, the main character, is unlike any teenage boy i’ve ever encountered (in real life or in person)- and I think that’s part of what makes this book so special. While he still grapples with many of the same questions, fears, and milestone achievements as his peers, he maintains a good balance of his own sense of self and openness to the people and world around him, making him the perfect character to ride this type of story out with.
August 22, 2024
"It's easy to choose the pain we have grown to know. Sometimes it doesn't even feel like pain. Just feels like going home."
This book was a delightful surprise! Right of the bat, I was instantly captivated by the story. The author's writing style was both straightforward and evocative. It didn’t take long for me to get invested in the characters and the plot.
Something Like Right follows Zay as he navigates through his life which has recently took an unexpected turn after a single fight. I liked him from the start and I find myself rooting for him as the story progresses. This book also features a strong supporting cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and personal struggles— making them feel real.
The audiobook narration really elevated my reading experience. The narrator captured the emotions perfectly, making me feel for these characters and what they're going through.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a solid ya contemporary, then you should definitely check this out. Perfect for fans of Lamar Giles and Angie Thomas!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for giving me an advanced copy of the audiobook for this book.
This book was a delightful surprise! Right of the bat, I was instantly captivated by the story. The author's writing style was both straightforward and evocative. It didn’t take long for me to get invested in the characters and the plot.
Something Like Right follows Zay as he navigates through his life which has recently took an unexpected turn after a single fight. I liked him from the start and I find myself rooting for him as the story progresses. This book also features a strong supporting cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and personal struggles— making them feel real.
The audiobook narration really elevated my reading experience. The narrator captured the emotions perfectly, making me feel for these characters and what they're going through.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. If you are looking for a solid ya contemporary, then you should definitely check this out. Perfect for fans of Lamar Giles and Angie Thomas!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for giving me an advanced copy of the audiobook for this book.
January 14, 2025
🌈 Rainbow Ratings:
Representation: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Intrigue: 10
Narrative: 10
Build-up: 10
Originality: 10
Wow Factor: 10
Something Like Right follows Zay as he navigates the challenges of being sent to an alternative school while unexpectedly reuniting with his estranged, formerly incarcerated father. Although the story initially feels like a romance, it evolves into something much deeper. Zay's journey is heartfelt and compelling, and I appreciated how HD Hunter shed light on the school-to-prison pipeline and the failures of some alternative school programs to support students effectively.
The relationships between the characters were beautifully developed, with each adding depth and meaning to the others' lives. Every aspect of the narrative felt intentional and impactful, making the story resonate on multiple levels. The audiobook performance was phenomenal—I didn’t want it to end. This is easily the best book I’ve read this month.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Representation: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Intrigue: 10
Narrative: 10
Build-up: 10
Originality: 10
Wow Factor: 10
Something Like Right follows Zay as he navigates the challenges of being sent to an alternative school while unexpectedly reuniting with his estranged, formerly incarcerated father. Although the story initially feels like a romance, it evolves into something much deeper. Zay's journey is heartfelt and compelling, and I appreciated how HD Hunter shed light on the school-to-prison pipeline and the failures of some alternative school programs to support students effectively.
The relationships between the characters were beautifully developed, with each adding depth and meaning to the others' lives. Every aspect of the narrative felt intentional and impactful, making the story resonate on multiple levels. The audiobook performance was phenomenal—I didn’t want it to end. This is easily the best book I’ve read this month.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2024
This was such a beautiful story of family, first love and second chances. The characters were flawed, but the growth they all experienced was written so well, Zay especially. I absolutely loved seeing him navigate his complicated feelings towards his parents and also towards Feven. I really enjoyed seeing his relationships with his Aunt Melissa and Smith grow and they had some incredibly powerful moments together. This book was so easy to fall into and you can’t help but root for Zay and his family to find their way back to each other. I really loved the themes of understanding, forgiveness and redemption in this story. I highly recommend this one if you’re looking for a good second chance story.
CW: violence, incarceration
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
CW: violence, incarceration
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2024
*I listened to the audiobook.
Zay, a biracial teen, gets into his first (& only) fist fight at his school, causing him to finish of his school year at Broadlawn Alternative School.
Throughout this book, he deals with race/class issues, broken families, all the while being relatable - so much so, I wish I had this book when I was a teen. We also see Zay's character growth, his first love, him/his family healing, and second chances. A very well-rounded book that I absolutely loved.
* This was my first ever Torian Bracket narrated book, and I like his style. He's extremely talented with all the different character voices (Kenny's voice is my fave)
** Thank you RBmedia|Recorded Books for the Audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Zay, a biracial teen, gets into his first (& only) fist fight at his school, causing him to finish of his school year at Broadlawn Alternative School.
Throughout this book, he deals with race/class issues, broken families, all the while being relatable - so much so, I wish I had this book when I was a teen. We also see Zay's character growth, his first love, him/his family healing, and second chances. A very well-rounded book that I absolutely loved.
* This was my first ever Torian Bracket narrated book, and I like his style. He's extremely talented with all the different character voices (Kenny's voice is my fave)
** Thank you RBmedia|Recorded Books for the Audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2024
Nothing much is right for Zay as he starts junior year. Dad’s been in prison for most of his life, mom is just scraping by. His grades or okay, but a fight that gets out of control results in expulsion and his only option is to spend the rest of the year at Broadlawn Alternative
School, two hours away and near his Aunt Mel and her partner, Smith. Broadlawn is pretty scary, but he meets Eritrean refugee Feven and Kenny, who is sliding toward gang life. Slowly, Zay figures out how to put his life back together. Nicely written, solidly done setting and thoughtful, interesting characters. EARC from Edelweiss.
School, two hours away and near his Aunt Mel and her partner, Smith. Broadlawn is pretty scary, but he meets Eritrean refugee Feven and Kenny, who is sliding toward gang life. Slowly, Zay figures out how to put his life back together. Nicely written, solidly done setting and thoughtful, interesting characters. EARC from Edelweiss.
August 27, 2024
I picked this netgalley arc purely on that cover ! I think it’s so great!
The story was really good too.
Follows Zay who just got kicked out of school to go to a reformatory school for a semester as he is trying to find his way through a new school to get back to his regular school he meets new friends, crushes and guides to help him figure out what he wants and forest want with his life.
This was well done. I loved a bunch of flawed characters trying their best and this one had that all the characters had many things they were going through but all had this layer of charm it was hard not to root for everyone.
Thanks to netgalley and recorded books for an alc
The story was really good too.
Follows Zay who just got kicked out of school to go to a reformatory school for a semester as he is trying to find his way through a new school to get back to his regular school he meets new friends, crushes and guides to help him figure out what he wants and forest want with his life.
This was well done. I loved a bunch of flawed characters trying their best and this one had that all the characters had many things they were going through but all had this layer of charm it was hard not to root for everyone.
Thanks to netgalley and recorded books for an alc
November 29, 2024
Something Like Right is told from the point of view of a sensitive teenage boy sent to an alternative school after defending a younger kid. But only Hunter could give such authenticity, life, and emotion to this story. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down. Family dynamics, self discovery, teenage romance, cultural differences— this book has so much depth. Hunter gave life to a world and topics that I’ve personally never read in a book, and he did it with such skill.
June 29, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Enjoyed this one, but it's a bit too young adult for my middle school students. I picked this up because I enjoyed this author's Futureland: Battle for the Park.
Enjoyed this one, but it's a bit too young adult for my middle school students. I picked this up because I enjoyed this author's Futureland: Battle for the Park.
August 21, 2024
3.5 rounded up
December 31, 2024
It took a while to get used to the humor narrative style, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. It's a feel good, coming of age story.
April 1, 2025
I really liked the flow, conversation, and character development. It's like the energy was shifting as I read along
October 7, 2024
Actual Rating 4.5
Zay never meant to get into trouble, but he can’t take the bullying of one of his peers any longer. He gets in his first and only fight, causing him to be expelled from his high school. He’s sent to an alternative school to finish the year and has to live with his aunt and uncle, which is just fine since he wants a break from his mom and her own troubles. But what Zay doesn’t expect is to meet a stunning girl on his first day, a girl that might just make his stay at the alternative school bearable.
This work tackled some deep themes, including first love, broken families, overcoming being set up for failure, making the best of difficult situations, and violence, just to name a few. However, I loved how well the author incorporated positive and hopeful aspects and situations in a way that kept the themes from becoming overwhelming and kept the book from feeling hopeless.
The characters were quite strong. I enjoyed their varied backgrounds and reasons for ending up at the school, and how they all took different paths, some of which led to the same place. The characters, even the secondary ones, were complex and easy to emotionally connect to and relate to, which made for an immersive experience.
While there were some things typical of the YA genre present, this book mostly felt YA in only good ways. If you’re interested in a character driven YA novel, then this is worth checking out. My thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Zay never meant to get into trouble, but he can’t take the bullying of one of his peers any longer. He gets in his first and only fight, causing him to be expelled from his high school. He’s sent to an alternative school to finish the year and has to live with his aunt and uncle, which is just fine since he wants a break from his mom and her own troubles. But what Zay doesn’t expect is to meet a stunning girl on his first day, a girl that might just make his stay at the alternative school bearable.
This work tackled some deep themes, including first love, broken families, overcoming being set up for failure, making the best of difficult situations, and violence, just to name a few. However, I loved how well the author incorporated positive and hopeful aspects and situations in a way that kept the themes from becoming overwhelming and kept the book from feeling hopeless.
The characters were quite strong. I enjoyed their varied backgrounds and reasons for ending up at the school, and how they all took different paths, some of which led to the same place. The characters, even the secondary ones, were complex and easy to emotionally connect to and relate to, which made for an immersive experience.
While there were some things typical of the YA genre present, this book mostly felt YA in only good ways. If you’re interested in a character driven YA novel, then this is worth checking out. My thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 22, 2025
Something Like Right - H.D. Hunter
⭐⭐⭐
Let me start by saying, this book was not on my 'TBR' I just happened to find it on Libby so I read it on a whim. This is categorized as young adult, however because of profanity, I personally would not allow my 13 year old to read it.
We start out meeting Zay, a young african american high schooler. Zay gets into a fight while defending someone small who is being bullied and is sent to an alternative school. Zay struggles with his relationship with his mom, his dad is incarcerated, and he struggles to feel like he belongs.
While Zay uses his time at the alternative school to grow and learn who he is, his mother uses the time to reestablish a loving relationship with his father (released prior to Zay leaving) and a happy home for their family to flourish in.
In this book we see how difficult it can be on children living in a broken home, teens dealing with poverty, and teens who struggle to find a place when they are looked at as 'bad' when they might just be wanting to help themselves or grow from their mistakes. I believe it teaches an important lesson of not judging a book by its cover and also to love people because you never know what they might be going through.
I give this book 3/5 stars. I might have rated it higher if I were younger... It just wasn't exciting for me but a good story overall. 📖
⭐⭐⭐
Let me start by saying, this book was not on my 'TBR' I just happened to find it on Libby so I read it on a whim. This is categorized as young adult, however because of profanity, I personally would not allow my 13 year old to read it.
We start out meeting Zay, a young african american high schooler. Zay gets into a fight while defending someone small who is being bullied and is sent to an alternative school. Zay struggles with his relationship with his mom, his dad is incarcerated, and he struggles to feel like he belongs.
While Zay uses his time at the alternative school to grow and learn who he is, his mother uses the time to reestablish a loving relationship with his father (released prior to Zay leaving) and a happy home for their family to flourish in.
In this book we see how difficult it can be on children living in a broken home, teens dealing with poverty, and teens who struggle to find a place when they are looked at as 'bad' when they might just be wanting to help themselves or grow from their mistakes. I believe it teaches an important lesson of not judging a book by its cover and also to love people because you never know what they might be going through.
I give this book 3/5 stars. I might have rated it higher if I were younger... It just wasn't exciting for me but a good story overall. 📖
August 10, 2025
“‘Do you think … do you think it would be easier?’ she asked. ‘If we could just go back to the beginning and erase everything that happened? Fall in love like a fairy tale and avoid all the drama?’” What a wonderful book. First loves are rarely ever ones out of story books but Zay and Feven’s is pretty close, haha. I’ve read this book once but I’ve got to say it was better the second read. Poetic prose, full of redemptive, well-rounded characters. I feel this is a story that exemplifies agape. The women characters could be a bit more well-rounded but this story is about Zay and his process. Shout out to Feven and Kenny! Shout out to HD Hunter for putting their essence onto the page. Love and Light for Something like Right— a book so twice I’ma read it WAY more than twice :) <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
(Book#4 from Tailored Book Recommendations, a service in which you pay money and fill out forms to receive curated recommendations just for you)
A very enjoyable contemporary YA novel with an authentic-feeling main character to follow. I liked this one. Sure, I wish it explored the relationship between the main character and his friend Kenny, as the novel seems to highlight this character without really digging into him at all, but I'm still quite satisfied with what we got and how the expected YA dramas were dealt with. I'm glad Tailored Book Recommendations recommended it to me, because I honestly don't think I would've ever heard of it otherwise. 8/10
A very enjoyable contemporary YA novel with an authentic-feeling main character to follow. I liked this one. Sure, I wish it explored the relationship between the main character and his friend Kenny, as the novel seems to highlight this character without really digging into him at all, but I'm still quite satisfied with what we got and how the expected YA dramas were dealt with. I'm glad Tailored Book Recommendations recommended it to me, because I honestly don't think I would've ever heard of it otherwise. 8/10
April 24, 2025
3.5 stars. It got better as it went along, and I enjoyed the side characters in addition to Zay. Love to see another story (and with a happy ending at that) from a Black boy’s POV- it’s always needed in YA
April 23, 2025
i really enjoyed the audiobook. the ending was a hopeful one to last the night.
3 stars.
3 stars.
August 30, 2024
Quick read about a boy being sent to an alternative school after a fight, and what it means to belong.
September 19, 2024
In this book, Zay got into his one and only fight and has been sentenced to a year of high school at an alternative school hours away from his home. He feels like this was a convenient move for his mom to kick him out, because his dad was just released from prison. Zay makes the most of his time at the new school, despite the dreary educational environment, making a few friends and falling in love.
Being a teacher in an alternative high school, I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, there were a few things that didn’t sit well with me. First, Zay getting sent after only one fight--and this being the only mark on his record--does not seem very realistic, along with there only being one alternative high school in the state. What happens to students who don’t have family in the area of that high school? Was there a boarding school option? And it seemed as if local kids went to that high school, so I was confused as to why it was an alternative high school for “bad” kids, if this was the case.
Additionally, I did not appreciate the way Broadlawn was depicted. In my opinion, this continues to spread the idea that kids who go to alternative high schools are given the worst of the worst. I will allow that there probably are alternative high schools out there that do fit the stereotype of Broadlawn. However, we have been trying to change this idea at our school, where it is a choice and a privilege to attend, and where we have some of the best teachers in the district caring for our students who need it most. Watching these students grow and mature throughout their high school years to become engaged members of society, rather than a part of the “pipeline to prison” as Kenny says in the book, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Being a teacher in an alternative high school, I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, there were a few things that didn’t sit well with me. First, Zay getting sent after only one fight--and this being the only mark on his record--does not seem very realistic, along with there only being one alternative high school in the state. What happens to students who don’t have family in the area of that high school? Was there a boarding school option? And it seemed as if local kids went to that high school, so I was confused as to why it was an alternative high school for “bad” kids, if this was the case.
Additionally, I did not appreciate the way Broadlawn was depicted. In my opinion, this continues to spread the idea that kids who go to alternative high schools are given the worst of the worst. I will allow that there probably are alternative high schools out there that do fit the stereotype of Broadlawn. However, we have been trying to change this idea at our school, where it is a choice and a privilege to attend, and where we have some of the best teachers in the district caring for our students who need it most. Watching these students grow and mature throughout their high school years to become engaged members of society, rather than a part of the “pipeline to prison” as Kenny says in the book, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
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