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Black Sheep
Dwayne, 16, meets high-flying, uni-bound Misha, and sparks fly.To Misha it feels like true love, but her mum is adamant that Dwayne is bad news and forbids her to see him. When Misha decides to follow her heart, the web of secrets and lies begins to tighten….For Dwayne is not quite who he says he is. And as he struggles to turn his life around while hiding his darker side from Misha, his ties with Trigger, Jukkie and the rest of his boys draw him deeper and deeper into gang violence, more serious and bloody than any he has ever seen. One night, Dwayne’s two lives collide, with devastating consequences.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
Na'ima B. Robert
53 books813 followersNa’ima B Robert is descended from Scottish Highlanders on her father's side and the Zulu people on her mother's side. She was born in Leeds, grew up in Zimbabwe and went to university in London. At high school, her loves included performing arts, public speaking and writing stories that shocked her teachers.
Her popular 'From my sisters' lips' explored the reality of living as a Muslim woman in the West. She has written several multicultural books for children, including 'The Swirling Hijaab', 'Going to Mecca' and 'Ramadan Moon'. She is also the author of the teen novels 'From Somalia, with love', 'Boy vs Girl', 'Black Sheep' and the award-winning 'Far from Home', a historical novel set in Zimbabwe. Her cult classic 'She Wore Red Trainers' pioneered the 'halal romance novel' genre. She divides her time between London and Yorkshire and dreams of living on a farm with her own horses. Until then, she is happy to keep telling untold stories, calling for increased representation in children's books and mentoring other aspiring Muslim writers with her writing groups and programmes.
Her popular 'From my sisters' lips' explored the reality of living as a Muslim woman in the West. She has written several multicultural books for children, including 'The Swirling Hijaab', 'Going to Mecca' and 'Ramadan Moon'. She is also the author of the teen novels 'From Somalia, with love', 'Boy vs Girl', 'Black Sheep' and the award-winning 'Far from Home', a historical novel set in Zimbabwe. Her cult classic 'She Wore Red Trainers' pioneered the 'halal romance novel' genre. She divides her time between London and Yorkshire and dreams of living on a farm with her own horses. Until then, she is happy to keep telling untold stories, calling for increased representation in children's books and mentoring other aspiring Muslim writers with her writing groups and programmes.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 6, 2013
Having read parts of Black Sheep during its draft stages, I had preconceptions about the book in its published state. I thought I knew the story, the setting and the characters, but Na'ima B Robert proved me wrong.
Black Sheep is set in south-east London, an area where I was raised and still live, so the street lingo, characters and setting felt very familiar; the story, however, isn't one I've lived, and that's what drew me in.
The plot is well paced, and climax literally left me screaming out loud from shock. The end of the book is far from predictable, and left a tear of bittersweetness in my eye. A very real story, brilliantly told and ended in a way that one can easily see a Black Sheep II.
Black Sheep is decidedly different from Robert's other books, as Islam isn't so heavily featured. It's quite clear that the focus is on the characters themselves and their life choices are in no way didactic.
Overall, I would highly recommend Black Sheep as an authentic voice of the inner struggles of street life, whether Muslim or otherwise.
Black Sheep is set in south-east London, an area where I was raised and still live, so the street lingo, characters and setting felt very familiar; the story, however, isn't one I've lived, and that's what drew me in.
The plot is well paced, and climax literally left me screaming out loud from shock. The end of the book is far from predictable, and left a tear of bittersweetness in my eye. A very real story, brilliantly told and ended in a way that one can easily see a Black Sheep II.
Black Sheep is decidedly different from Robert's other books, as Islam isn't so heavily featured. It's quite clear that the focus is on the characters themselves and their life choices are in no way didactic.
Overall, I would highly recommend Black Sheep as an authentic voice of the inner struggles of street life, whether Muslim or otherwise.
December 1, 2013
I picked this up just because of the author, and let me just say I did not expect a thug story. But I enjoyed it, I did... it was compelling, it wasn't overly cheesy, and it was definitely believable. I also liked that she kept religion subtle in this one - just enough to pique some curiosity, but not so much to come across as preachy. I only took off one star because, erm, the gangsta speak was a bit beyond me, and I struggled at times. It was good for establishing a strong character, but... I don't know, I think there should have been a guide for understanding the lingo :)
March 28, 2013
I always enjoy Naima's book because she is able to capture the voice and experience of so many different experiences. This story follows a young man in South London who faces so many of the challenges that young men face in rough environments. He falls for a girl from the other side of the tracks, a kind of Romeo and Juliet story.
The characters in the book came across very strong and clear in their narrative and I enjoyed immersing myself in the London world. It's an enjoyable and easy read.
The characters in the book came across very strong and clear in their narrative and I enjoyed immersing myself in the London world. It's an enjoyable and easy read.
May 1, 2014
This book was deep. I find myself wanting to recommend it to my younger brother, for no reason but it has a strong purpose driven narrative.
I found this books so familiar, in that the whole street mentality kind of thing, was around where I grew up/ if that makes sense- I could really relate to Misha, and the sort of relationship she had with her mum- but at the same time I recognised the language of Dwayne's character.
I liked how strong the characters were written, and the ending- it was very different, but interesting still.
Mash'Allah, I've not read a book from sister na'imah that I haven't enjoyed; that hasn't made me think.
May Allah reward her abundantly Amin.
I found this books so familiar, in that the whole street mentality kind of thing, was around where I grew up/ if that makes sense- I could really relate to Misha, and the sort of relationship she had with her mum- but at the same time I recognised the language of Dwayne's character.
I liked how strong the characters were written, and the ending- it was very different, but interesting still.
Mash'Allah, I've not read a book from sister na'imah that I haven't enjoyed; that hasn't made me think.
May Allah reward her abundantly Amin.
August 7, 2013
Good YA Contemporary Romeo and Juliet with a positive coming of age ending.
November 20, 2015
I can't put my feelings into words. Naima B has LITREALLY outdone herself ONCE again! This book was ineffable! It was raw and blunt and straight up filled with everything that people don't always want to face. The harsh cold reality of life, love and faith. It was full of sacrifice and it was inspirational <3
I loved watching how both main characters grew so much over the course of the novel! Starting out they seemed unsure of what they wanted and even faced situations they felt so sure if themselves, but just like any teenager growing up, they learn that sometimes they don't know everything and that there's still so much to learn, to accept and learn to forgive. They learn to make life changing situations at such a young age, illustrating not only how teenagers these days face so much, but also how capable we can be as well if we're patient and willing to listen and be open minded towards people of different faiths, ideas and hopes, dreams and backgrounds!
I've been a fan of Naima B ever since I came across her books, her books inspire me, motivate me, remind me and most importantly make me want to be a better person, and always keep family close because above all else, they should always come first.
I can't waiiiiit for her next novel! I hope more authors like her start to emerge, and even if they don't, she's already inspired me to keep writing myself! She's such an inspiration!!! She's like the the author I always wanted to be, the author I don't know if I'll ever be, but hope one day I may become. Someone who inspires the youth. Who tries to make a change, through the power of the written word ~
I loved watching how both main characters grew so much over the course of the novel! Starting out they seemed unsure of what they wanted and even faced situations they felt so sure if themselves, but just like any teenager growing up, they learn that sometimes they don't know everything and that there's still so much to learn, to accept and learn to forgive. They learn to make life changing situations at such a young age, illustrating not only how teenagers these days face so much, but also how capable we can be as well if we're patient and willing to listen and be open minded towards people of different faiths, ideas and hopes, dreams and backgrounds!
I've been a fan of Naima B ever since I came across her books, her books inspire me, motivate me, remind me and most importantly make me want to be a better person, and always keep family close because above all else, they should always come first.
I can't waiiiiit for her next novel! I hope more authors like her start to emerge, and even if they don't, she's already inspired me to keep writing myself! She's such an inspiration!!! She's like the the author I always wanted to be, the author I don't know if I'll ever be, but hope one day I may become. Someone who inspires the youth. Who tries to make a change, through the power of the written word ~
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February 19, 2016Black sheep is the book that i am reading is a mystery and a roamantic book.This book was wrote by Na'Ima B.Robert.This book is about a boy that was living on the bad side of town and he was getting into the wrong crowd.He wasn't acing his classes so he started to mess up in school getting bad grades.THe boys name was Dwayne he was a 16 year old boy that wanted to be a bad boy and a wannabe rapper.another charter named Misha she was a smart educated young women.Dwayne and Misha both was head over heals over each other when they first met sparks was flying.Misha felt like she was n love but her mother is adamant that Dwayne is bad news and forbids misha to see dwayne.Misha decides to follow her heart and disobey her mother for her love for Dwayne.
June 14, 2018
To read my full detailed review of this book (and MANY more!) please go to https://sabr11593.blogspot.com/search...
April 30, 2018
EMOTIONAL yet thoughtful, Black Sheep is the tale of Dwayne Kingston, a young man whose childhood and
adolescence have been rough in the poverty-ridden, gangster-territory area of Brixton.
His poet’s soul, however, still flourishes, and brings him together with Misha, a girl from the higher end of London. Misha’s private-school education, refined accent, and sheltered life are very different from Dwayne’s, and though they find themselves deeply in love, they both have struggles of their own to overcome.
Misha has always been reserved when it comes to boys, and driven when it comes to her studies. Pushed by a mother who insists on excellence, and setting her eyes on a top university, Misha finds herself bewildered by the feelings she has for Dwayne. As the relationship turns turbulent, Misha is forced to ask herself whether she’s just trying to escape her mother’s pressure, or if she really believes that Dwayne is worth the heartache. And if he is, what does that mean for her future?
Dwayne grew up on the council estates, living the gangbanger reality. Spitting beats, cruising the streets, and making money by selling weed is all Dwayne really knows. Although he’s managed to avoid getting arrested so far, his mother and the new principal at school both know that it won’t take long for the street life to swallow him up… until he meets Misha, that is.
Dwayne finds himself changed by Misha – her insistence that he can ‘rewrite the script’ and make something of himself, to look for a future that doesn’t revolve around the streets. Earnestly seeking to better himself, Dwayne finds that the harder he tries to fight against the cycle he’s been trapped in all his life, the more it threatens to pull him down. Even after accepting Islam, the dark side of life that Dwayne had tried to hide from Misha catches him to him in a way that threatens to destroy the fragile hopes he had begun to harbor.
Together, Misha and Dwayne wrestle with issues of identity, family, and true love, against the backdrop of gangs and drugs on the streets of London.
Echoing with Romeo-and-Juliet themes, Black Sheep is a book that I would strongly recommend for ages 11 and up, especially for young boys who glorify the gangster lifestyle. What’s refreshing is that although Islam plays an important role in the characters’ story, it remains a subtle influence that does not clash with the larger themes of the novel.
As well, though the points of view switch between Dwayne and Misha, the larger part of the narrative is focused on Dwayne, which would work well in keeping the attention of male readers. Na’ima B. Robert skillfully taps into a young man’s sense of confidence, insecurity, hopes, and fears to create an engaging, empathetic figure who learns that the best things are worth fighting for.
The street-style vocabulary, which is heavily used throughout the novel, is hard to understand at first, but the context usually assists in figuring out. It would have been a good idea to include a short appendix explaining the terms commonly used, especially for readers not based in the UK.
However, the story itself is very well written and the characters well developed. The message is clear but not preachy, and the book tackles themes that are serious without becoming too graphic, and without minimalizing the severity of the issues.
adolescence have been rough in the poverty-ridden, gangster-territory area of Brixton.
His poet’s soul, however, still flourishes, and brings him together with Misha, a girl from the higher end of London. Misha’s private-school education, refined accent, and sheltered life are very different from Dwayne’s, and though they find themselves deeply in love, they both have struggles of their own to overcome.
Misha has always been reserved when it comes to boys, and driven when it comes to her studies. Pushed by a mother who insists on excellence, and setting her eyes on a top university, Misha finds herself bewildered by the feelings she has for Dwayne. As the relationship turns turbulent, Misha is forced to ask herself whether she’s just trying to escape her mother’s pressure, or if she really believes that Dwayne is worth the heartache. And if he is, what does that mean for her future?
Dwayne grew up on the council estates, living the gangbanger reality. Spitting beats, cruising the streets, and making money by selling weed is all Dwayne really knows. Although he’s managed to avoid getting arrested so far, his mother and the new principal at school both know that it won’t take long for the street life to swallow him up… until he meets Misha, that is.
Dwayne finds himself changed by Misha – her insistence that he can ‘rewrite the script’ and make something of himself, to look for a future that doesn’t revolve around the streets. Earnestly seeking to better himself, Dwayne finds that the harder he tries to fight against the cycle he’s been trapped in all his life, the more it threatens to pull him down. Even after accepting Islam, the dark side of life that Dwayne had tried to hide from Misha catches him to him in a way that threatens to destroy the fragile hopes he had begun to harbor.
Together, Misha and Dwayne wrestle with issues of identity, family, and true love, against the backdrop of gangs and drugs on the streets of London.
Echoing with Romeo-and-Juliet themes, Black Sheep is a book that I would strongly recommend for ages 11 and up, especially for young boys who glorify the gangster lifestyle. What’s refreshing is that although Islam plays an important role in the characters’ story, it remains a subtle influence that does not clash with the larger themes of the novel.
As well, though the points of view switch between Dwayne and Misha, the larger part of the narrative is focused on Dwayne, which would work well in keeping the attention of male readers. Na’ima B. Robert skillfully taps into a young man’s sense of confidence, insecurity, hopes, and fears to create an engaging, empathetic figure who learns that the best things are worth fighting for.
The street-style vocabulary, which is heavily used throughout the novel, is hard to understand at first, but the context usually assists in figuring out. It would have been a good idea to include a short appendix explaining the terms commonly used, especially for readers not based in the UK.
However, the story itself is very well written and the characters well developed. The message is clear but not preachy, and the book tackles themes that are serious without becoming too graphic, and without minimalizing the severity of the issues.
April 20, 2019
It took me a long time to get into the rhythm of this. Dwayne’s voice, while well drawn, was very alien to me. Being a country girl all my life, the slang of inner city London is not something I’m familiar with, and a few times in the early chapters I had to read and reread paragraphs to get a proper understanding of what was being said.
Understand, this is not a criticism, just fair warning to anyone who, like me, isn’t used to that sort of slang. And a promise – it’s worth persevering and getting used to it. Because there’s a really moving story being told.
This is the sort of book that reminds me why diverse books are so important. Because I am not, and have never been a young black man growing up in Brixton. I’ve had a sheltered life in the Shropshire countryside, and the Berkshire countryside before that. While we were not rich, we were never uncomfortable. Growing up, I had a very blinkered view of criminals and gangs. I thought anyone who was in a gang was stupid, and that all criminals were evil. But Roberts paints the allure of gangs and gang culture in this novel – how boys and young men with nothing can be drawn into crime and violence for the rewards – in a very empathic and understandable way. Reading Dwayne’s story, you can see how he’s reached the point in his life that he has. And in the same circumstances, it’s easy to imagine doing the same thing.
Dwayne wants what’s best for his brother, so he’s a dealer in a gang in order to make sure he never has to go without. He loves the camaraderie; the gang leader is the role model that child of a single-mother Dwayne never had. He’s not stupid, and he’s not evil. He’s a young man trying to make something better for himself and his family. Then things start to spiral out of his control and it’s painful to watch him try to resolve it. There are no easy answers, no way he can move forwards without losing something important to him.
As a counterpoint, Misha is high achieving, driven and going places. She is also the child of a single mother, but her mother has done everything in her power to make opportunities for Misha, to distance her from her background. So of course, when Misha and Dwayne collide, there are fireworks. I really like how the relationship is drawn. Misha and Dwayne are in the throws of teenage infatuation and both have to learn and grow if they are to build any sort of future together. It’s a realistic, contemporary Romeo and Juliet sort of story.
Overall, well developed characters in a setting and situation that really did ought to get a lot more exposure, exploring themes of violence, gang culture, poverty and the healing power of the Islamic faith along the way. It’s pretty clear from the outset where the story is going to end up, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful or enjoyable.
Understand, this is not a criticism, just fair warning to anyone who, like me, isn’t used to that sort of slang. And a promise – it’s worth persevering and getting used to it. Because there’s a really moving story being told.
This is the sort of book that reminds me why diverse books are so important. Because I am not, and have never been a young black man growing up in Brixton. I’ve had a sheltered life in the Shropshire countryside, and the Berkshire countryside before that. While we were not rich, we were never uncomfortable. Growing up, I had a very blinkered view of criminals and gangs. I thought anyone who was in a gang was stupid, and that all criminals were evil. But Roberts paints the allure of gangs and gang culture in this novel – how boys and young men with nothing can be drawn into crime and violence for the rewards – in a very empathic and understandable way. Reading Dwayne’s story, you can see how he’s reached the point in his life that he has. And in the same circumstances, it’s easy to imagine doing the same thing.
Dwayne wants what’s best for his brother, so he’s a dealer in a gang in order to make sure he never has to go without. He loves the camaraderie; the gang leader is the role model that child of a single-mother Dwayne never had. He’s not stupid, and he’s not evil. He’s a young man trying to make something better for himself and his family. Then things start to spiral out of his control and it’s painful to watch him try to resolve it. There are no easy answers, no way he can move forwards without losing something important to him.
As a counterpoint, Misha is high achieving, driven and going places. She is also the child of a single mother, but her mother has done everything in her power to make opportunities for Misha, to distance her from her background. So of course, when Misha and Dwayne collide, there are fireworks. I really like how the relationship is drawn. Misha and Dwayne are in the throws of teenage infatuation and both have to learn and grow if they are to build any sort of future together. It’s a realistic, contemporary Romeo and Juliet sort of story.
Overall, well developed characters in a setting and situation that really did ought to get a lot more exposure, exploring themes of violence, gang culture, poverty and the healing power of the Islamic faith along the way. It’s pretty clear from the outset where the story is going to end up, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful or enjoyable.
May 12, 2023
Finally picked this up after it's been sitting unread on my shelf for ages. This was my third book by Na'ima B. Robert. How could I have not read this earlier! It was SUCH a beautiful novel with deep messages that I'm unable to explain! 😭 I've got a lot to say about this book that I don't know where the heck to start! 😅
Na'ima B. Robert's Black Sheep follow a badman named Dwayne and a smart, uni-bound girl named Misha, who fall head over heels for each other. Despite never having been crazy for romance, I do admit that I found their young love cute and sweet. It gave me a little of the Romeo and Juliet vibe, especially with the fact that they grew up in different backgrounds. While Dwayne grew up in the bad side of town, Misha was raised by her strict mother, who expected more from her. I was really intrigued when Misha, despite her mother forbidding her to see Dwayne, follows her heart anyway and sneaks behind her back to see him. I couldn't wait to find out what her mother would do once she found out! 👀
Full review on My Blog
Na'ima B. Robert's Black Sheep follow a badman named Dwayne and a smart, uni-bound girl named Misha, who fall head over heels for each other. Despite never having been crazy for romance, I do admit that I found their young love cute and sweet. It gave me a little of the Romeo and Juliet vibe, especially with the fact that they grew up in different backgrounds. While Dwayne grew up in the bad side of town, Misha was raised by her strict mother, who expected more from her. I was really intrigued when Misha, despite her mother forbidding her to see Dwayne, follows her heart anyway and sneaks behind her back to see him. I couldn't wait to find out what her mother would do once she found out! 👀
Full review on My Blog
January 1, 2019
Dwayne and Misha are growing up on different sides of London, but meet at a party and immediately feel a connection. Dwayne is more concerned with street cred than grades and Misha is on a path to a prestigious college. Once her mother finds out about Dwayne, Misha is forbidden to see him, but her attraction is stronger and they continue to meet in secret. Dwayne starts to leave street life and wants to do better in school, due to Misha's influence, and their relationship continues to grow until their two world ultimately collide at a party where Dwayne is rapping.
A typical Romeo & Juliet storyline with a modern twist. Dwayne's desire to do better for Misha is endearing, as is her becoming more comfortable with herself and her background. Overall, a nice story, a little drawn out at parts, but the ending was exciting and a great wrap up.
A typical Romeo & Juliet storyline with a modern twist. Dwayne's desire to do better for Misha is endearing, as is her becoming more comfortable with herself and her background. Overall, a nice story, a little drawn out at parts, but the ending was exciting and a great wrap up.
June 21, 2018
Excellent Redemption Story
This is the best Muslim YA novel I've read. Robert created a cast of complex characters, each searching to find their way in life. Main characters Dwayne and Misha have a heart-warming relationship, and I rooted for them throughout. I haven't read a teen boy novel this well written since Hinton's The Outsiders. It's a must-read for Muslim teens.
This is the best Muslim YA novel I've read. Robert created a cast of complex characters, each searching to find their way in life. Main characters Dwayne and Misha have a heart-warming relationship, and I rooted for them throughout. I haven't read a teen boy novel this well written since Hinton's The Outsiders. It's a must-read for Muslim teens.
June 21, 2018
This is the best Muslim YA novel I've read. Robert created a cast of complex characters, each searching to find their way in life. Main characters Dwayne and Misha have a heart-warming relationship, and I rooted for them throughout. I haven't read a teen boy novel this well written since Hinton's The Outsiders. It's a must-read for Muslim teens.
January 29, 2020
Romeo and Juliet story set in London's Caribbean community. To be honest, I found Mischa a bit annoying. But maybe it was just her youth and naivety that put me off. I thought Dwayne was a much stronger character - there was more to him. Overall, a unique and interesting story. I would be interested to read more by this author.
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October 4, 2022Really interesting that I finished it in 3 days
August 6, 2024
Too much religion.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews