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This Thing of Ours
An instant New York Times bestseller!
The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story—and a rallying cry against book banning.
In an instant, Ossie Brown’s entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossie—a Black teen who doesn’t come from wealth and privilege—must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors he’s now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students’ viral “anti-woke” video puts the teacher’s job, the writing program, and even Ossie’s friends’ safety at risk—and Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.
The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story—and a rallying cry against book banning.
In an instant, Ossie Brown’s entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossie—a Black teen who doesn’t come from wealth and privilege—must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors he’s now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students’ viral “anti-woke” video puts the teacher’s job, the writing program, and even Ossie’s friends’ safety at risk—and Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 6, 2025
49 people are currently reading
4194 people want to read
About the author
Frederick Joseph
11 books448 followersFrederick Joseph is a Yonkers, NY raised three-time New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. His books include a poetry collection, We Alive, Beloved, two books of nonfiction, Patriarchy Blues, and The Black Friend, a collaboration, Better Than We Found It, a children’s book, The Courage to Dream, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and his recent bestselling, Kirkus and Publisher’s Weekly Starred reviewed YA novel, This Thing of Ours.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
May 1, 2025
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. It’s a very good modern coming of age protest novel. It packs a lot in but doesn’t feel over stuffed. The pacing is a bit slow at the start but it picks up. Loved the cultural references for young people to dig into.
May 17, 2025
5 Stars
This Thing of Ours is an exceptionally well-crafted, emotionally engrossing YA read—one that doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting themes and complex topics, and one that feels remarkably relevant and resonates deeply.
The story follows black high school student Ossie, whose once bright dreams of being the next big basketball star shatter in an instant, leaving him feeling hopeless, friendless, and isolated within the prestigious private school he attends on scholarship.
Luckily for Ossie, he happens to have some incredible women in his corner—from his strong-willed, powerhouse of a grandmother, to his inspiring English teacher Ms. Hunt, both of whom convince Ossie that his true talents actually lie on the written page and not on the court.
Entering an acclaimed writing course, led by Ms Hunt, gives Ossie renewed purpose, building his hopes for a collegiate future by helping him grow as a human being and, subsequently, as a skilled writer with a powerful voice.
There, he makes two new friends, Luis and Naima, both fiercely intelligent and talented artists in their own rights, quickly bonding over their shared experiences as three non-white students in an elite school environment that is ripe with racism and classism from the top down.
When Ms Hunt unjustly becomes the focus of major student and parent backlash for daring to teach a diverse coursework—a situation that continues to escalate with amplified public vitriol—Ossie and his friends find themselves in a focal situation that requires some major affirmative action on their parts, as they find the courage to speak truth to power about the injustices taking place within their school (and beyond).
In truth, this was no joyful read, with a lot of the injustices taking place over the course of the story making me feel incredibly anxious and upset at times, which just goes to show how impressively real and honest the characters were drawn and reflected back out again.
To be transparent (for those who like to know more about what to expect), the story deftly explored substantial themes such as classism, racism, loss and grief (of varying kinds), homophobia and toxic masculinity, to name but a mere few. It was the kind of story that, although not easy to read, was full of thought-provoking, self-analysing themes, and moments of discussion and dialogue that left me moved, reflective, and, ultimately, grateful for the experience.
The themes of censorship and misinformation in the media were also strong, and I particularly loved the subtle but loud battle cry challenging book banning on every level of the education system.
Beyond the great writing and powerful themes, I especially loved the characters and their relationships, which were the true heart and soul of this story. Ossie and his gran; Ms Hunt and her students; Ossie and Naima; Naima and her family; Ossie and Luis. Each connection and bond forged growth and positive change symbiotically within each character, providing some truly beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, moments of human connection that will be hard to forget.
With precision and care—and pure intelligence, insight, and passion—Frederick Joseph has written an incredibly profound coming-of-age story with This Thing of Ours, which, quite frankly, feels like a must-read for all readers in this day and age.
Honestly, I cannot wait to see what else Frederick Joseph writes going forward, and you can be sure that I was personally taking notes on Ms Hunt’s reading recommendations throughout this story with keen interest.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! <3
***A special thanks to the author and publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This Thing of Ours is an exceptionally well-crafted, emotionally engrossing YA read—one that doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting themes and complex topics, and one that feels remarkably relevant and resonates deeply.
The story follows black high school student Ossie, whose once bright dreams of being the next big basketball star shatter in an instant, leaving him feeling hopeless, friendless, and isolated within the prestigious private school he attends on scholarship.
Luckily for Ossie, he happens to have some incredible women in his corner—from his strong-willed, powerhouse of a grandmother, to his inspiring English teacher Ms. Hunt, both of whom convince Ossie that his true talents actually lie on the written page and not on the court.
Entering an acclaimed writing course, led by Ms Hunt, gives Ossie renewed purpose, building his hopes for a collegiate future by helping him grow as a human being and, subsequently, as a skilled writer with a powerful voice.
There, he makes two new friends, Luis and Naima, both fiercely intelligent and talented artists in their own rights, quickly bonding over their shared experiences as three non-white students in an elite school environment that is ripe with racism and classism from the top down.
When Ms Hunt unjustly becomes the focus of major student and parent backlash for daring to teach a diverse coursework—a situation that continues to escalate with amplified public vitriol—Ossie and his friends find themselves in a focal situation that requires some major affirmative action on their parts, as they find the courage to speak truth to power about the injustices taking place within their school (and beyond).
In truth, this was no joyful read, with a lot of the injustices taking place over the course of the story making me feel incredibly anxious and upset at times, which just goes to show how impressively real and honest the characters were drawn and reflected back out again.
To be transparent (for those who like to know more about what to expect), the story deftly explored substantial themes such as classism, racism, loss and grief (of varying kinds), homophobia and toxic masculinity, to name but a mere few. It was the kind of story that, although not easy to read, was full of thought-provoking, self-analysing themes, and moments of discussion and dialogue that left me moved, reflective, and, ultimately, grateful for the experience.
The themes of censorship and misinformation in the media were also strong, and I particularly loved the subtle but loud battle cry challenging book banning on every level of the education system.
Beyond the great writing and powerful themes, I especially loved the characters and their relationships, which were the true heart and soul of this story. Ossie and his gran; Ms Hunt and her students; Ossie and Naima; Naima and her family; Ossie and Luis. Each connection and bond forged growth and positive change symbiotically within each character, providing some truly beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, moments of human connection that will be hard to forget.
With precision and care—and pure intelligence, insight, and passion—Frederick Joseph has written an incredibly profound coming-of-age story with This Thing of Ours, which, quite frankly, feels like a must-read for all readers in this day and age.
Honestly, I cannot wait to see what else Frederick Joseph writes going forward, and you can be sure that I was personally taking notes on Ms Hunt’s reading recommendations throughout this story with keen interest.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! <3
***A special thanks to the author and publishers (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2025
As a longtime reader of Frederick Joseph, I was eager to see how his storytelling would translate into young adult fiction, and 'This Thing of Ours' drew me in and kept me engaged from page one. This powerful novel follows Ossie Brown, a talented basketball player whose dreams are shattered by a torn ACL. Stripped of the status that once defined him, Ossie faces a painful reckoning—navigating senior year without the perks of being a scholar-athlete, watching his ex-girlfriend date his biggest rival, and confronting the racial and class disparities at his privileged high school.
What makes this novel shine for me is Ossie’s growth as the main character. Encouraged by a Black teacher to explore his natural gift for writing, he discovers a new way to express himself and a deeper purpose beyond the court. His friendships with Luis and Naima become a lifeline, showing how true friendship makes us braver and how communal advocacy can challenge injustice, especially when an “anti-woke” video threatens their school community.
Joseph’s writing pays beautiful homage to Black literature, tying in themes of grief, persistence after defeat, and self-discovery through conflicts with others and our society at large. Through Ossie’s journey, Joseph reminds us that “each life is a poem” and urges readers to craft their own with intention and love. This is a must-read for those who appreciate stories about identity, activism, and the power of finding your voice.
What makes this novel shine for me is Ossie’s growth as the main character. Encouraged by a Black teacher to explore his natural gift for writing, he discovers a new way to express himself and a deeper purpose beyond the court. His friendships with Luis and Naima become a lifeline, showing how true friendship makes us braver and how communal advocacy can challenge injustice, especially when an “anti-woke” video threatens their school community.
Joseph’s writing pays beautiful homage to Black literature, tying in themes of grief, persistence after defeat, and self-discovery through conflicts with others and our society at large. Through Ossie’s journey, Joseph reminds us that “each life is a poem” and urges readers to craft their own with intention and love. This is a must-read for those who appreciate stories about identity, activism, and the power of finding your voice.
June 9, 2025
It's been a while since I've read YA and I am so glad I took a chance on this one. After reading about this author and his courageous stand in not selling his books in Target after they rolled back DEI initiatives, I was curious. Then, when I read the description of a black teenager in a predominantly white private school, I was hooked.
This is smart, inclusive, emotional storytelling and has the added bonus of incorporating the works of so many black authors I've read and admired. It would break my heart to learn that the students in the high school where I work were as intentionally cruel and overtly racist as the characters in this book, but it doesn't feel unrealistic. The tension so many of us feel in this current political environment sizzles in this story, but the relationships between the characters provide heart and soul that balances the ugliness.
A terrific read.
This is smart, inclusive, emotional storytelling and has the added bonus of incorporating the works of so many black authors I've read and admired. It would break my heart to learn that the students in the high school where I work were as intentionally cruel and overtly racist as the characters in this book, but it doesn't feel unrealistic. The tension so many of us feel in this current political environment sizzles in this story, but the relationships between the characters provide heart and soul that balances the ugliness.
A terrific read.
May 23, 2025
An important and timely YA novel, for those who enjoyed The Hate U Give and Kneel. A very engaging and sad yet hopeful story. This book will certainly build your empathy as it doesn't pull any punches. Ossie is a likable and strong lead and his friends and enemies are very well done, multi-dimensional and grow over the course of the novel. I loved this, and although it did anger me in parts, I think it is meant to challenge the reader and inspire action.
Ossie is a high school kid who loses his basketball scholarship to Syracuse when he tears an ACL. He goes to a prestigious private school, and although he cannot play basketball he will still finish his senior year. He is encouraged to apply to a creative writing program as he has some natural talent. In this workshop, Ossie and his friends are inspired by a black teacher who challenges their thinking.
But that is where the conflict starts, a group of white power type kids start protesting and proclaim themselves to be "anti-woke." They are pretty awful people, but still young, and some of the adults in their orbit don't do them any favors.
This book reminds us of what we already know in our hearts, the solution to ignorance is education, and the way to build empathy is to read.
Ossie is a high school kid who loses his basketball scholarship to Syracuse when he tears an ACL. He goes to a prestigious private school, and although he cannot play basketball he will still finish his senior year. He is encouraged to apply to a creative writing program as he has some natural talent. In this workshop, Ossie and his friends are inspired by a black teacher who challenges their thinking.
But that is where the conflict starts, a group of white power type kids start protesting and proclaim themselves to be "anti-woke." They are pretty awful people, but still young, and some of the adults in their orbit don't do them any favors.
This book reminds us of what we already know in our hearts, the solution to ignorance is education, and the way to build empathy is to read.
May 19, 2025
I could not put this down. I hope they make this into a movie not because this greatness needs to be amplified with all the money and flowers and fame. The characters and writing are rich and real. Will be giving this book to all the youngins.
July 23, 2025
This was a great and timely books. I thought the pacing was really well done, especially with the topics it touched on. DEI, book-banning, class difference, racism, homophobia… you name it, it was in the book, but It didn’t feel jam packed or rushed. Ossie was a really likeable character. He was the star athlete but a career ending injury derailed his journey. I really appreciated how open minded he was to a new path along the way. His friend with Naima and Luis (might be spelling those wrong bc I listened to the audio lol) was great. Their dynamics and lifestyles were very different but their similarities with them being some of the few POC in the school and even the enjoyment of the work in the class they share brought them closer together. The story was really engaging and I was very invested!
The narration of this book was well done!!!
4.5✨
The narration of this book was well done!!!
4.5✨
September 12, 2025
Ossie Brown is a basketball superstar at the elite Braxton Academy, but everything changes in an instant when a horrible tear to his ACL ends his chance of ever playing ball again. His girlfriend dumps him and his teammates move on, making Ossie feel completely lost. As one of the few Black students at Braxton, Ossie doesn’t even know if his scholarship will stand. He can’t go to his mother for help, whose own loss of Ossie’s father fractured her ability to be there for her son, but he does have Grandma Alice, who constantly lifts him up, telling him he’s so much more than just a ball player. After struggling to move on, It’s Ossie’s Black English teacher, Ms. Hunt, who suggests that he apply for the school’s exclusive creative writing program. She sees his talent, and believes he has what it takes. Once accepted into the program, Ossie meets two other students, Naima and Luis, the only other participants who aren’t white. Together, they form a strong bond and enjoy studying and creating their own pieces after reading books by a variety of Black authors. But when some white students in the program dislike Ms. Hunt’s book choices and conspire to get rid of her, it sets off a chain of events that lead to Ossie and his friends learning more about life—this thing of ours—than they ever could have imagined.
I haven’t read a book that moved me like this one in a while. A book that made me laugh and cheer, move me to tears, and taught me so much. It’s partly because I connected with characters like Ms. Hunt, who, as a teacher, I see myself in. It was those beautiful Sunday dinners at Grandma Alice’s that showed how important having a strong community truly is. It’s Frederick Joseph’s poetic words. After reading this title, you’ll see how love is a verb.
NOTE: This was an ARC through NetGalley. Can’t wait for some actual copies when it comes out May 6, 2025.
I haven’t read a book that moved me like this one in a while. A book that made me laugh and cheer, move me to tears, and taught me so much. It’s partly because I connected with characters like Ms. Hunt, who, as a teacher, I see myself in. It was those beautiful Sunday dinners at Grandma Alice’s that showed how important having a strong community truly is. It’s Frederick Joseph’s poetic words. After reading this title, you’ll see how love is a verb.
NOTE: This was an ARC through NetGalley. Can’t wait for some actual copies when it comes out May 6, 2025.
January 9, 2026
I listened to this title and narration was excellent. As sometimes happens with my opinion of YA novels, this was filled with too much drama. The plot was interesting enough to keep my attention but I just didn't fully believe everything that happened. All of the hot button topics are important to read about and discuss. For me, there were too many hot button topics for any one of them to feel appropriately tackled. I also thought that many of the characters were stereotypical and not fully fleshed out. With all of that being said, I loved how Ozzie pivoted from being a star basketball player to being an excellent writer.
February 8, 2025
Senior Ossie Brown, struggling to reinvent himself after an injury that ends his basketball career, finds his voice in a creative writing class taught by a forward-thinking teacher who values diversity. But when the teacher is accused of "reverse racism" and fired, Ossie must decide how he wants to use his voice and what he's willing to risk.
Layered and powerful.
Layered and powerful.
January 25, 2026
*4.75 (this book, along with its audiobook, is nearly perfect. It is such an important story that touches on so many issues. I loved the family dynamics as well, it really showcased on the loss of a parent can shift the dynamic with your other parent. I really appreciate how many hot button issues this speaks about (racism, homophobia, to name a few), however I think a third point narration would’ve helped those issues be expressed a tad better. That being said I did love being in Ozzie’s head and how his character affected the prose.)
March 5, 2026
This one was a surprise! I had not seen or heard anything about this book until it was gifted to me, and it needs to be talked about! I really enjoyed the author’s writing, you can tell he also dabbles in poetry with his way with words and imagery. Reminds me of Renee Watson. Ossie was a great character and I also loved his friendships with Naima and Luis. Awesome YA debut from this author!
July 10, 2025
thank you @candlewickpress for a free copy!
this is a powerful story about friendship, grief, and finding your way after loss. the author does a great job showing what it's like to grow up while dealing with real pain, especially as a young black teen. this book is important because it reminds readers that healing isn't always easy, but having people in your corner makes all the difference. M
⭐️ 4 stars!!
this is a powerful story about friendship, grief, and finding your way after loss. the author does a great job showing what it's like to grow up while dealing with real pain, especially as a young black teen. this book is important because it reminds readers that healing isn't always easy, but having people in your corner makes all the difference. M
⭐️ 4 stars!!
August 27, 2025
4.5 A timely YA novel in a world where book bans, attacks on teachers, and racism dominate our culture. Highly recommend for any banned book clubs. I'll be looking for Frederick Joseph's other books.
May 12, 2025
Excellent, timely novel
This is a book I hope a lot of people will read. It is very well written, fast moving with a timely message resonating in our strange, hateful world where I know that love will eventually win. Books like this will help. Well done, Frederick Joseph! BTW a push for others to read the book, The Prophets, that is talked about in this book — an amazingly powerful novel.
This is a book I hope a lot of people will read. It is very well written, fast moving with a timely message resonating in our strange, hateful world where I know that love will eventually win. Books like this will help. Well done, Frederick Joseph! BTW a push for others to read the book, The Prophets, that is talked about in this book — an amazingly powerful novel.
May 15, 2025
I don’t even really read YA, and I was absorbed right away. Can’t recommend enough!
May 6, 2025
Basketball, friendship and poetry? This was an enjoyable read for anyone who likes a good story with a good helping of social justice. Ossie was the next best thing in basketball in his private school—until he got injured. Cast out by his girlfriend, his teammates, and his social media followers, he has to figure out who he is outside of ball. What follows is a story of friendship and big feelings. A writing program leads to a ripped from the headlines situation with students getting a teacher ousted for daring to teach non traditional or white authors. Some of the conflict was a bit too tidy, but over-all this was an engaging read with some deep themes. I loved the layers of the main character as well as the fact that it was a guy-hard to find in YA literature!
April 21, 2025
Fabulous basketball skills have earned Ossie, who is Black, a scholarship to a predominantly white private school, but during junior year Ossie has a career ending injury. He can remain enrolled, but his girlfriend breaks up with him and the adults who supported him melt away. When he is chosen for an exclusive writing workshop, Ossie begins to come out of his post-injury grief, making friends with fellow writers Naima and Luis. They thrive under the leadership of their writing instructor who provides a diverse set of course materials but racist students and families get the instructor fired. Ossie navigates a complicated relationship with his mom, the shadow of his deceased dad’s basketball career, his grandma’s illness, his crush on Naima, socio-economic differences, and competing strategies to resist injustice, learning from his successes and mistakes. Skillfully told. EARC from Edelweiss.
February 27, 2025
On its surface, this is a story about Ossie Brown, a star athlete who finds his dream of playing ball in the NBA vanish after a career ending injury, and his two friends Luis and Naima as they navigate the turmoils of not just being in high school, but existing in bodies that our society deems less than. Much of the book is dedicated to following along as they form strong bonds of love and friendship, traverse complicated familial relationships, and endure bullying by their peers. Unlike your typical YA novel, though, This Thing of Ours delves into heavy and complex topics such as racism, classism, censorship, homophobia, radical misinformation, grief, propaganda and toxic masculinity, just to name a few. The care and thoughtfulness with which the author executes these incredibly nuanced situations is truly exemplary, while reminding the reader that these are not unique issues. They are timely and accurate representations of what’s happening in the world around us, and stark reminders that we must encourage the youth of today to be the strong leaders of tomorrow that we will need to keep fighting the good fight.
Among the many important messages the author delivers in this book, I found two particularly inspiring. I firmly believe in not just telling our youth how we expect them to behave but instead to give them something to emulate. First, throughout the book Ossie shows us his vulnerability, that it is ok to feel, it it ok to cry, it is ok to tell your male best friend that you love him, even as a masculine-presenting 6’5” athlete. Ossie and Luis’s friendship is beautiful. It will hopefully be an inspiration to countless young men who need to learn this lesson, and in turn teach it to their sons and grandsons in the hopes that we can erase the damage the patriarchy has done to them for our future generations. Second, while we see the world through Ossie’s eyes as our protagonist, the star of the book is really Naima - a force so fierce, she had legions of racist white people working overtime to try to silence her. Ossie not only knows her power as a strong, intelligent and principled Black woman, he embraces and amplifies it. In fact, his big misstep in the book is trying to be her step stool, and in the end he realizes she never really needed (or wanted) it to begin with.
This is an important book for people of all ages, really, but especially for teenagers and young adults who don’t normally see themselves and their friends represented as anything other than the funny sidekick. Here, I hope they will see themselves in strong, lovable and richly woven characters who laugh, cry, stumble, and persevere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House/Peachtree/Pixel+Ink/Candlewick for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Among the many important messages the author delivers in this book, I found two particularly inspiring. I firmly believe in not just telling our youth how we expect them to behave but instead to give them something to emulate. First, throughout the book Ossie shows us his vulnerability, that it is ok to feel, it it ok to cry, it is ok to tell your male best friend that you love him, even as a masculine-presenting 6’5” athlete. Ossie and Luis’s friendship is beautiful. It will hopefully be an inspiration to countless young men who need to learn this lesson, and in turn teach it to their sons and grandsons in the hopes that we can erase the damage the patriarchy has done to them for our future generations. Second, while we see the world through Ossie’s eyes as our protagonist, the star of the book is really Naima - a force so fierce, she had legions of racist white people working overtime to try to silence her. Ossie not only knows her power as a strong, intelligent and principled Black woman, he embraces and amplifies it. In fact, his big misstep in the book is trying to be her step stool, and in the end he realizes she never really needed (or wanted) it to begin with.
This is an important book for people of all ages, really, but especially for teenagers and young adults who don’t normally see themselves and their friends represented as anything other than the funny sidekick. Here, I hope they will see themselves in strong, lovable and richly woven characters who laugh, cry, stumble, and persevere.
Thank you to NetGalley and Holiday House/Peachtree/Pixel+Ink/Candlewick for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2025
This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph is a fearless and unflinching look at the systems that shape the lives of Black youth in America, particularly Black boys, and the ways those systems are steeped in white supremacy, exploitation, and erasure. Joseph uses a powerful blend of personal reflection, cultural commentary, and historical truth-telling to pull back the curtain on how systemic racism operates across education, sports, media, and opportunity.
Meet Ossie Brown, a seventeen-year-old, whose entire future is on the line when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now, Ossie must navigate his way through the social and academic dynamics of his wealthy, mostly white private school.
Joseph brings forth a necessary discussion as he begins this novel with how white communities often only value Black boys as athletes— commodifying their bodies while denying their humanity. He interrogates the ways institutions profit from Black talent without ever protecting or uplifting Black lives. In doing so, Joseph lays bare the harsh truths about white privilege, not just as an abstract concept, but as a lived advantage that actively shapes and upholds these harmful systems.
The heart of Ossie’s life is his Grandma Alice, a grounding force of wisdom, love, and legacy. Her presence in the book is more than familial; she represents generational resilience and deep-rooted knowledge. Through her guidance, Ossie is able to reflect, challenge, and rise. Grandma Alice reminds us that storytelling, survival, and strength often live in the elders who hold the histories we’re rarely taught in school. She is a reminder that joy and resistance are passed down, and that healing often begins at home.
In one of the most striking narrative threads, our favorite teens — Ossie, Naima, & Luis — are in a highly regarded writing program. Through the instruction of Ms Hunt, one of only a few educators of color, these kids are introduced to stories outside the narrow canon of cisgender, heterosexual, white authors. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when young people are invited to see the world through many lenses, not just the dominant one. We see that when we limit literature to a single kind of voice or experience, we deprive all readers of empathy, truth, and imagination. Joseph makes it clear: diverse stories don’t just matter — they’re necessary for liberation, connection, and transformation.
This book is not just essential reading for our youth, it’s a mirror and a megaphone. For Black and Brown teens, This Thing of Ours affirms their experiences, their frustrations, and their brilliance. It reminds them that their worth is not determined by how well they can perform, entertain, or assimilate. For white readers, it’s a call to reckon with complicity and a guide toward solidarity rooted in action and awareness.
Frederick Joseph writes with clarity, urgency, and deep love for his community. His words carve space for truth and healing. This is a must-have for any teen collection and a must-read for anyone committed to justice, equity, and the liberation of all young people.
Meet Ossie Brown, a seventeen-year-old, whose entire future is on the line when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now, Ossie must navigate his way through the social and academic dynamics of his wealthy, mostly white private school.
Joseph brings forth a necessary discussion as he begins this novel with how white communities often only value Black boys as athletes— commodifying their bodies while denying their humanity. He interrogates the ways institutions profit from Black talent without ever protecting or uplifting Black lives. In doing so, Joseph lays bare the harsh truths about white privilege, not just as an abstract concept, but as a lived advantage that actively shapes and upholds these harmful systems.
The heart of Ossie’s life is his Grandma Alice, a grounding force of wisdom, love, and legacy. Her presence in the book is more than familial; she represents generational resilience and deep-rooted knowledge. Through her guidance, Ossie is able to reflect, challenge, and rise. Grandma Alice reminds us that storytelling, survival, and strength often live in the elders who hold the histories we’re rarely taught in school. She is a reminder that joy and resistance are passed down, and that healing often begins at home.
In one of the most striking narrative threads, our favorite teens — Ossie, Naima, & Luis — are in a highly regarded writing program. Through the instruction of Ms Hunt, one of only a few educators of color, these kids are introduced to stories outside the narrow canon of cisgender, heterosexual, white authors. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when young people are invited to see the world through many lenses, not just the dominant one. We see that when we limit literature to a single kind of voice or experience, we deprive all readers of empathy, truth, and imagination. Joseph makes it clear: diverse stories don’t just matter — they’re necessary for liberation, connection, and transformation.
This book is not just essential reading for our youth, it’s a mirror and a megaphone. For Black and Brown teens, This Thing of Ours affirms their experiences, their frustrations, and their brilliance. It reminds them that their worth is not determined by how well they can perform, entertain, or assimilate. For white readers, it’s a call to reckon with complicity and a guide toward solidarity rooted in action and awareness.
Frederick Joseph writes with clarity, urgency, and deep love for his community. His words carve space for truth and healing. This is a must-have for any teen collection and a must-read for anyone committed to justice, equity, and the liberation of all young people.
May 22, 2025
Y'all. This book is INCREDIBLE. I blew through This Thing of Ours in just a few days, which is unheard of for me. Ossie's story is gripping and relatable and timely, and I found myself rooting for him, Naima, and Luis from start to finish. Certain events in the story are written so well that they're uncomfortable to read (as they should be) and they drive home just how impactful racism can be. I wish these people were real - I'd want to meet them and ask them to tell me their stories. Everything.
This thing of ours - life - is so fragile, and how we handle our myriad experiences shape how our lives play out. The trio of teens, along with their parents, their trailblazing teacher, Ms. Hunt, and Ossie's Grandma Alice, form the core of a story that will both warm and break your heart. Frederick Joseph has written a barnstormer that really should be required reading for all Americans.
I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could!
This thing of ours - life - is so fragile, and how we handle our myriad experiences shape how our lives play out. The trio of teens, along with their parents, their trailblazing teacher, Ms. Hunt, and Ossie's Grandma Alice, form the core of a story that will both warm and break your heart. Frederick Joseph has written a barnstormer that really should be required reading for all Americans.
I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could!
September 2, 2025
It looks like Angie Thomas’ The Hate You Give has spawned a sub genre of young adult novels dealing with social issues that culminate in a semi-apocalyptic ending. Frederick Joseph’s debut novel tries very hard but suffers from excessive speechifying by the teen protagonists and trying to stuff too many issues in a single book. I did love his appealing narrator Ossie Brown who becomes intoxicated by literature after his basketball career is curtailed by injury. I salute Frederick Joseph for centering a young adult novel around the power of books and lang and I hope this book finds its audience.
I know the book was written for younger readers and that I am not its target audience but I wish there had been more control and subtlety in the fashioning of the villains and book and their arguments. I found it hard to believe that Matthew would be in a writer’s group in the first place, much less go so over the top in his opposition to “wokeness”.
This Thing Of Ours is a flawed and overly melodramatic book in many ways, but it contains enough truths and powerful scenes to make it a valuable addition to YA literature.
I know the book was written for younger readers and that I am not its target audience but I wish there had been more control and subtlety in the fashioning of the villains and book and their arguments. I found it hard to believe that Matthew would be in a writer’s group in the first place, much less go so over the top in his opposition to “wokeness”.
This Thing Of Ours is a flawed and overly melodramatic book in many ways, but it contains enough truths and powerful scenes to make it a valuable addition to YA literature.
June 1, 2025
A really well written YA novel that deals with issues of race, sexuality, and censorship, set in the halls of an exclusive NY private school. Highly recommended no matter the age group.
June 1, 2025
My, oh my. I am so touched and so inspired. I am enraged. This book made me feel in every way. I cannot even express the emotions that it brought forth. It shows us our shame of this moment. It shows us the truth of the teenage experience. Mr. Joseph has given us a beautiful tribute to our communities and our beliefs. This story is something we need right now. Beauty. Absolutely beauty in so many ways.
July 24, 2025
The premise touched on important issues but it did not ring true for me. Maybe there are people and places where these things can happen they way they did in the book, but to me it did not feel real.
September 13, 2025
I buddy read this with my son, and it's a great conversation starter. There's so many topics to explore - and so, so relevant to today's current events.
October 17, 2025
okay it def dealt with incredibly important topics and is very relevant, but the author made the dialogue btwn the characters SO cringey. Ugh.
March 6, 2026
Yo, Fredrick Joseph , pen is 🔥. No lie, this book kept me engaged from the first chapter to the end. From the complex relationship between mother and son to the commentary on book bannings, this was such an emotional, layered story. And no lie, the way my anger spiked during moments of injustice, racism, and homophobia is a testament to Fred pen. I felt every emotion I believe he wanted his readers to feel. This story is so impactful and powerful. This is a profound coming-of-age story that explores classism, racism, loss and grief, homophobia, and toxic masculinity. But it is done so well and with care. This was very thought-provoking and self-reflective. I honestly can’t wait to talk with Fedrick during my panel next weekend at @nttbfest. I definitely recommend yall read this. It might be a heavy read, but it is so good!!
March 17, 2026
So thankful this was our staff book club pick! It was so, so good with so many relevant issues discussed. I’m so glad Ossie was written the way he was - so lovable and admirable for just wanting to do right, seeing the good in people
July 16, 2025
I haven't screamed in rage about a story since The Handmaid's Tale in the 90s. Brilliant book...screamed, cried, cussed.
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