Jason & Kyra

by Dana Davidson

Jason is a basketball star and one of the most popular guys in school. Brainy Kyra isn't, but she doesn't much care what other people think. Under normal circumstances, Jason and Kyra would live in their separate worlds until graduation. But fate intervenes, and the unlikely duo is paired up for a class project. Although preconceived notions abound on both sides, Kyra soon realizes that Jason is not the dumb jock she anticipated. And Jason finds himself telling Kyra things he can't even tell his best friend. As the two become close and eventually start to fall in love, no one in school can believe it, especially Jason's ex-girlfriend, who is determined to get him back. Being together means navigating the obstacles that are coming their way-but staying apart may be impossible. Dana Davidson is a high school teacher who was the 2001 winner of the Newsweek WDIV Outstanding Teacher Award. This is her first book for young adults.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, African American, Teen, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

327 pages, Hardcover

First published June 2, 2004

About the author

Dana Davidson is the author of two novels for young adults, Jason and Kyra (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun 2004) and Played (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun 2005). Booklist calls Jason and Kyra a book that “teens won’t be able to stop reading….” About Played, School Library Journal says, “Davidson’s understanding of teen motivations and language is apparent….”

Many African-American Children’s Lit authors see Dana Davidson as a trailblazer. Her first novel, Jason and Kyra, was one of the first romance novels to feature middle-class African-American characters. However, Dana never aspired to be an author, at least not at first.

Dana grew up a fan of romance novels, but as a kid, there weren’t many romance novels that portrayed African-Americans as the “hero.” Her desire to see successful, African-American characters in novels manifested itself in her first novel, Jason and Kyra.

In addition to being an author, Dana is also a teacher, and was awarded the Newsweek/WDIV-TV Outstanding Teacher Award in 2001. However, when beginning a novel, she refuses to let her “teacher” side interfere with her writing process. It isn't until later, as she revises and reflects on a novel, that she allows herself to see her work through her teacher lens.

Dana’s second novel, Played, takes a unique look at the influence of underground high school fraternities. While the idea of foolish and immature fraternity initiations played a part in crafting the novel, what Dana really wanted to show was the inherent beauty of her characters—and in a way, the inherent beauty of her students. She wanted to write a novel where the characters were forced to “see” each other.

Reviews

[Blang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason and Kyra was an AMAZING book. I LOVED IT SO MUCH I READ IT TWICE! It is actually one of my favorite books for the simple fact that it is real life. Every girl in high school wants a Jason and every boy wants a Kyra. The author of "Jason and Kyra" Dana Davidson, created a real high school scenario, Jason was the jock that all the girls wanted and Kyra was the ambitious girl in class that was all about her work. In the story, Kyra immediately grabbed Jasons attention and struck him as stunning. She was different. In high school, most guys ant different but because of outside pressures, they date the typical. Jason was dating one of the sexiest girls in school who did not care to look into the deeper side of Jason. Jason lived with his father who rarely made time for him and when his father was around, he was always scolding Jason for petty things. Jason bottles his emotions like most young men do today.
Through fate, Kyra and Jason were in a few of the same classes. They were later assigned to be partners, through this they developed and unbreakable relationship. Through all the drama that followed their love affair, they stayed strong and let love lead the way. I think this story is beautiful and real. After reading this book I felt like I wanted to find a Jason that has my best interest at heart. I love books that i can relate to.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone no matter what age because it is a finger licking page turner.

[Steph | bookedinsaigon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Vincent is Cross High School’s most popular star basketball player, a secretly talented writer, and a boy with a troubled relationship with his verbally abusive father. Super-smart Kyra Evans dresses slightly funny and doesn’t do much to tame her hair, but she has a loving family and doesn’t care what people think of her, least of all the popular group that Jason runs with. Their lives were not supposed to cross in high school at all…until a fateful English research paper project brings the two of them together, first as partners, then as friends, and finally as something more. Much more.

Jason finds that he can tell Kyra secrets that he’s never told anyone. Kyra, rather inexperienced in the boy department, finds the perfect boyfriend in Jason. Both teenagers discover what love really is in their remarkable relationship, a relationship that, when first announced, brought the entire school to its feet in uproar. A Super-Jock and a Super-Brain, going together? It was unheard of. Impossible. It would never last.

Jason and Kyra’s relationship may be magical, but they must withstand many obstacles thrown their way, particularly their different opinions over sex and the malevolent plans of Jason’s ex-girlfriend, Lisa, the most popular girl whom he dumped for Kyra. Lisa has a plan to separate the couple and get back together with her rightful boy-property. Can Jason and Kyra’s love for each other withstand hurtful assumptions?

Dana Davidson’s voice is easy to read and extremely touching. Readers will find themselves sighing wistfully for a relationship as beautiful as the one Jason and Kyra share.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

2/2/2023- I take back what I said in 2020z this book deserves every bit of 5 stars. PERIODT!

9/23/2020- did this re-read make me realize that this book is probably more of a 4-4.5 star read? Yes. Did I still round up to 5 stars because the nostalgia and seeing Black characters live their best life was worth it? YEP!

I honestly am just glad this book still withstands the test of time for me and so glad that Jason & Kyra still don’t disappoint.


2017- I read this book a very long time ago, but I've read it quite a few times since the first time I picked it up. It's honestly such a cute story of young black love and has always been one of my favorites. We don't have many books out here like this one, which is sad, but it definitely makes this book a gem. And I would say the same about Dana's second book Played, which is a slightly different concept, but set in the same world. Honestly, I don't think I've ever been happier with the "nerd girl wins the star athlete's heart" storyline than when I read this.

['Lola Popoola · Rating 5 out of 5]

As he walks down the halls of Cross High School, Jason feels like a star as the students act like paparazzi. He's the most popular guy at school and also the star athlete on the basketball team. Every girl wants to be his but the lucky one is Lisa, who happens to be the girl that EVERY guy wants. On first day of school Jason meets a girl named Kyra in his A.P English class. Kyra, on the other hand, is not the typical popular type Jason is used to hanging out with. Kyra is nice and classy, but not at all hip and doesn't care what other people think about her. When Jason and Kyra are assigned partners for a class project, their thoughts of one another quickly change. As they start hanging out more and more the tension get heated. Although total opposites, they both share the same attraction and affection for another, but are too afraid to let each other know because they both feel that they are not good enough for another. Isn't that ironic? But the main thing that is standing in the way of Jason and Kyra's possible affair is the evil tactics of Lisa.

Personally, I LOVED this book because it teaches you how to be more confident in yourself when it comes to relationships because what you may feel that you don't have enough of may be what that special person finds so attractive or may feel that its something that has been missing in all of their past relationships. I feel that it alsos teaches trust in relationships and as well as how to deal with rumors and he said, she said because they can damage something great. I had to learn that the hard way but I'm glad for books like these that give those who haven't yet gone through it a warning.

[Lexi Ambrose · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never thought a book could be so bad in my life.

I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but this was the one book in my whole life that's ever disappointed me. Ever.

Almost every book has something to offer even through their errors and typos. This one, was terrible. Horrible.

The plot was interesting at a glance. After flipping about 50 to 100 pages in though, it was so obvious. It lacked suspense, foreshadowing, and just.. so much that my list'd be longer than Santa's on Christmas eve.

Maybe Davidson just loved to put things out in the open, clear and hassle-free. But I absolutely hate it. Here's my definition of the book (spoiler warning):

Boy Loved Girl. Girl loved the Boy back. Repeat line 1 and 2 over and over, described in various, yet very obvious ways.

I felt like screaming, "I get the point. Move on! What happens to them? What makes this tale so remarkable? What is this book even trying to portray?"

I spent 3 weeks reading the book (when it usually takes 3 days to read a book of this length) due to the lack of interest, and how I fell asleep reading it every time. At the end of three weeks, when I was finally at page 200something, I gave up. This is the first book I've ever given up on. I hope that says something.

[Morgan F · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read this book two times now. Both times I was disappointed. The plot was dry and predictable. The dialogue was sappy and boring. The author spent more time talking about the character's appearance and clothing than actually making 3-dimensional characters. Wasn't good at all, and I wouldn't even recommend it as a beach read.

[Katrina Burchett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Vincent is the star of Cross High's basketball team. Half of the girls at his college-prep school want him, but Lisa is his girlfriend and they've been together for a year. Jason doesn't have it in his heart to disrespect a female, so even though girls are in his face all of the time, flirting and giving him their phone numbers, he'd never actually cheat. There is one girl he's been eyeing since ninth grade, though. Her name is Kyra Evans. She's confident, she's smart and she's not trying to fit in. She's different than most girls. So different, in fact, that when Jason spends quite a bit of time with Kyra working on a school project, Lisa isn't the least bit threatened. Afterall, what guy in his right mind would choose a not-so-attractive, plain dressing, brainiac, virgin over her? Lisa and all the other kids at school school get the shock of their lives when Jason breaks up with Lisa and makes Kyra his new girlfriend.
Kyra Evans didn't intend to develop feelings for another girl's man. She didn't think Jason was her type and even if he was she certainly didn't think the most popular boy in school could ever have feelings for her. The more she gets to know him the more she likes him and it doesn't take long before she realizes she's in love - before they realize they're in love. But then Kyra's insecurities get in the way and everything get's messed up.
Jason Vincent and Kyra Evans - I like these young people. Jason knew the meaning of the word NO. He wasn't a virgin, but he didn't pressure Kyra when he knew she wasn't ready. He was willing to wait. Kyra was a very intelligent girl with dreams and goals, and she was there for Jason when he really needed someone to talk to. They were a nice couple.
Parents: There is profanity here and there, and sexual content.

[Bg · Rating 1 out of 5]

My sister suggested this book to and since she never got to read it, so immediately I was excited because somehow my sister knows what kinds of books I like. Anyway, Jason and Kyra is as predictable as a teen movie. I wasn't at all that impressed I was actually a little embarrassed which is sad to say.
Jason is the popular basketball star that everyone loves to hang out with, has a popular (slutty) girlfriend, and is haven't problems with his father who often abuses him.
Kyra is a hard working honor student who just a tiny bit stuck up and thinks Jason is just another panty chaser without brains.
When the two get paired up for a science project Kyra discovers that Jason is actually very smart and develops a crush on him. Jason confides in her and sees that he's actually falling for her too and breaks up with his girlfriend to be with Kyra. Not many people like them being together since Kyra is considered a loser but he stands by her.
This story is fairly simple and at times interesting but its longer then it really should be. Jason and Kyra's make-out session are steamy but never go to anything serious since Kyra keeps stopping him. Jason says a few times, to my discomfort, that he "wants to feel himself in side her." Uh.....yeah. Awkward. Who even says that! And when the author trys to make the characters use slang its really forced and un-natural.

All in all it was in so-so book. I didn't like it. I could have watched a teen movie in half the time and got a similar story.

[Victoria Rodríguez]

This is a very cute story, is about two high school kids that decide to love each other so profoundly that brings them some trouble. Jason is a basketball star, and one of the most attractive guys in school. He has been dating the great Lysa, a girl that doesn't even let him breathe. However, Jason is attracted to Kyra, a very intelligent girl who's always paying attention in class, studying, and she's pursuing a scholarship to study her degree. Kyra starts liking Jason, she supports him in everything, specially in the basketball games. A relationship will grow between them but it won't be that easy. I loved this book, so romantic!!

[Tiarra Andrews-owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that I read this time was Jason and Kyra. Jason and Kyra is a romance novel. The book is about two high school students from different sides of the social spectrum. Jason is a popular, handsome athlete and Kyra is a brainy, average, and independent girl. Jason and Kyra would have never met if it was not for a project that they were paired together to do. I would definitely recommend this book because of the interesting characters, the valuable lesson it teaches, and the good plot.

The book has interesting and entertaining characters! Jason was a popular athlete who many thought were shallow. Though, many people had the wrong impression of Jason because he was very intelligent and caring. Jason also had problems at home, his mother died when he was three of cancer. His father was a very mean man who verbally abused Jason and even went as far to say [it was his fault that she died] (Davidson). Kyra was also an interesting prospective to read from. The reason why I loved Kyra so much is that she would not think about what anyone else said. I admired the fact that she had the confidence to just be herself.

The second reason why I would recommend this book is because it teaches a valuable lesson. The lesson that this book teaches is that you should never judge a book by its cover. When Kyra first knew she was working on a project with him she thought he “was some kind of idiot” and he was the total opposite. Jason turned out to be a very nice and smart person (Davidson). Many people also had the wrong impression that Kyra was some kind of loser, but it turns out that she was confident and intellectual. This book teaches the very simple lesson to everyone that though, you may look a certain way on the outside does not mean you are the same on the inside.

The final reason why I would recommend this book is because it has a great plot! While reading this book I found that I could not put the book down. The book kept getting more captivating through each chapter. Like every romance, this one had its twists and turns. The one big problem that Jason and Kyra had to endure was his ex-girlfriend that he broke up with for Kyra. She was very vindictive and even went as far as to say she was going to “see to it that she got a good lesson” (Davidson). His ex-girlfriend did teach a lesson that made Kyra doubt Jason’s feelings for her, which caused a rift in their relationship. This book is just a very interesting book that would keep almost anyone captivated.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance novels. This book is great for high-school students because it relates to real-life problems. This book has enduring characters who high-school students can relate to. Jason and Kyra also does a great job of teaching the lifelong valuable lesson of not judging a book by its cover. The book not only has interesting characters that keep a reader’s interest, it has a great plot! Every high-school student should read this book.

[AlenaJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason and Kyra

Jason is a good guy. He goes to school and gets good grades. But he also has his own crew. They always tease him about being a nerd. But he knows there joking. Jason was in a smart class. AP English. Which Kyra had too. Jason and Kyra were assigned partners for a research paper in AP English. He had was attracted to her, but not by a lot. One day after school he was with his best friend, Greg, and saw Kyra. He said to Greg, "Check her out"(35), pointing and gazing at Kyra. Because Jason asked about Kyra, "Greg took a mental note for future reference"(35). Yiou could tell Jason was gaining feelings fo Kyra, but just small feelings, at first. But the problem was that Jason has a girlfriend, Lisa.

Jason had described Kyra in a way he would never describe a girl, and he had plenty of girls all over him. He thought the only girl for him was Lisa, but maybe he was wrong. He describved Kyra so well. "Her features were lovly. Her almond shaped eyes were huge and dark brown, with thick, dark lashes framing them. Her cheek bones were high, her nose was slim, and her lips looked soft. Her teeth were bright and even, and she had an easy smile. Her hair was long and thick and wooly. She nearly always wore it in natural braids, no extensions, which lay between her shoulder blades"(07). Why would he describe her like this? Why is he so descripted? Why was he looking at he lips? If a guy like Jason describes a girl like that, than his feelings must be real, and he must be with the wrong girl.

Kyra and Jason started spending more time together. They thought about each other all the time. He called her once a week. He would pretend to call about the project and then change the subject so he could just talk to her. His feelings grew. So did hers. They confessed there feelings for each other when Jason had gone to Kyra, after having an argument with his father. Jason always had problems with his father. Kyra always made Jason better. Jason broke up with Lisa. He asked Kyra, will you be my girl, she said yea. I guess thats like the street wae of asking someone out. Jason learns a lot for being in a relationshiop with Kyra. You should read this book if you like dramatic romantic. Not only is this book romantic, this book could show you ways to fix drama or problems, or ever relationships. Read this book and see how a relationship could really be true and real.

Read this book now!

[1k'la · Rating 5 out of 5]

A basketball scholar calls his girlfriend she's pretty, has soft hair, and she's smart, and the most shocking part is compared to the other girls he has dated she's considered a geek. This is not the normal relationship for a basketball star and his girlfriend.Jason and Kyra by Dana Davidson is a book to show people what relationships really are. They dont have to go by the book thats why she made Jason and Kyra a couple they started off as friends and when they got to know each other they became more than just friends. If one person doesn't get much from this book you will get a life changing experience. A life changing experince is when you dump the most popular girl in the school for the geekiest and you flaunt your relationship because you don't care what people say or think about it. A book telling one that it doesn't matter who you love as long as it's real. They dont have to be perfect and that is what makes the book Jason and Kyra realistic.
Relationships can be hard at times especially if the person you are in it with is a teenager and may be the most unpopular girl in your school. Jason Vincent is a basketball scholar and the girl he wants the most is Kyra evans she is a geeky girl who loves science. Some how they seem to make their relationship work. Everynight Jason calls Kyra this was before they got together and they made a study date and after hours of studying they take a break so they could get something to eat. When they are at the food diner Kyra says she will have the strawberry milkshake and jason says that sounds like something worth having and even though she doesn't know it when she says to him "it's sweet,creamy,and delicious" by the look Jason gave her she knew what she had just said may have been a little sexual. As time goes on they get closer especially when he asked her the 20 questions and the one question that let everyone know that he wanted her was when he asked her "Are you a virgin?"

[LALOVELYTEE · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jason and Kyra" is a romantic novel of the high basketball star (Jason Vincent). The guy with the cool friends and the cool girlfriend. Even though on the inside he's smart he would never tell his crew that. Then there's Kyra the girl with all A's and B's with a 4.0 GPA. Not that many friends and doesn't hang around many people. But she seems to capture the stars attention somehow.

Jason soon sees the beauty that is within Kyra though he wants no one else to know. So when they're both forced to work on a research paper together they get to see the other side of each other. The attraction is there as they get closer to one another's heart. But "how could he like me?", and "how can she like a guy like me?". Started to race through their minds.

They hook up and then once Jason's ex girlfriend Lisa, sets Kyra up on telling her about her experiences with Jason. Kyra thinks "how can he go from sex on a daily basis to no sex?" Kyra is heartbroken and breaks up with Jason without an explanation from him. Will he ever forgive her when she wants him back...read to find out


BEST BOOK I EVER READ...because it deals with what every relationship goes through...SEX! Can he go from having sex all the time to going to none. I think it's a really good book and girls would be more interested...lolz

[Ash R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about two character Jason and Kyra who live two completely different lives. Until a while after they get to know each and both realize they are fit for each other and they are as bad as they thought. The two seemed to block everything else out, all the seemed to matter was their relationship. As things got serious they weren't sure that they were ready to get anymore serious, and take a step up in the relationship.

I can make a text to world connections because some relationships that take place in high school (from what I know) aren't that serious. The ones that are find it hard to move on up in the relationship and how to slow down. They connect because they both have trouble deciding the speed in the relationship.

I would rate this book a 5 because it was really amazing! It was a great read, and an easy one but it is on the more mature level side. I would recommend this book to girls mostly that are 13 and up because it has a more advance content. Overall I was a fantastic book!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Jason and Kyra was about how Jason was a popular basketball player in highschool that had a crush on a not so popular girl in school named Kyra. Even though Jason had a girlfriend named Lisa, who was one of the most beautiful girls in the High school he always wondered about the girl he saw every day in english class (Kyra).

When there english teacher assigns them both (jason and Kyra)to do an essay together they fall in love.
Jason didnt want to be with his stuck up, but beautiful girlfriend and fell for the not so noticable girl (Kyra).
i loved this book because Jason breaks up with lisa to be with the one he loves. Lisa tries to sabotage there relationship but they work it out.

[Amanda Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a plain ordinary girl named Kyra and a high school popular basketball player named Jason who fight their way to be together. They don't care what they have to do but they will d what ever it takes to be together. Things go from Rumors to gossip to drama... Read this book to find out more and enjoy the book.

[Krisly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book Jason & Kyra for me was one of my favorite book in the summer . I had alot of connection towards this book maybe you reader will to . I liked this book so much because i would like to write about it and know that i could related to this book . Another fact is that Jason & Kyra comes from the author Dana Davidson which she also did Played and i read .

[Mendel Chernack · Rating 4 out of 5]

yes it's sappy and at times predictable, but the two love-struck teens, Jason and Kyra, feel real and their story will move any hopeless romantic.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book had passion and romance in it and it just got me soo interested and I just couldnt put this book down until I finished.

[Chandra Splond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!

[Taylor Sukys · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so good i could not put it down!!

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason & Kyra
By Dana Davidson
Published in 2004
Set in a suburb in Detroit
Characters :
Jason Vincent
Kyra Evans
Greg (Best friend of Jason)
Lisa (ex girlfriend of Jason)
Jackie ( Best friend to Lisa)
Renee ( best friend to Kira)
Micheal Vincent ( father to Jason)
Ms. Evans ( mother to kyra)
Dr. Evans ( Father to Kyra)
Akila ( Older sister to Kyra)

I chose this book because it finally portrayed black love in an adolescent perspective. Both of the partners are aware of their blackness but this aspect doesn't affect their overall relationship. I also adored the fact that a male black character was the most well-known and loved guy in the school to an extent of their suburb. I really enjoyed representation in known predominantly spaces.


This book is about a popular, cool, athletic guy Jason who has an unhealthy relationship with his father and meaningless relationship with his girlfriend, Lisa finds an unusual connection with a nerdy, stubborn and sophisticated girl Kyra. Jason and Kyra’s feelings for each other starts to slowly unfold as they start being Partners for a research project. Both constantly deny their feelings for each other and the connection developing between them. Jason makes most of the first moves in the beginning of their friendship/relationship. Always making excuses to call Kyra and hear her voice. But something stuck to Jason about color but no one seemed to understand. Kyra told him exactly what he wanted and needed to hear. Jason would always get into fights with his father whenever he was drunk.

Honorable moments in this book would have to be Jason and Kyra meeting up to discuss their project. While adoring Kyra as she was setting up, Jason noticed that Kyra decided to give them a Headstart on the project without Jason‘s consent. Kyra assumed that Jason was a “dumb jock” of some sorts and assumed that he had a low grade in the class. “ you got the only ‘A’?”… “ You thought I was some degree of an idiot,” he finished for her.” (pg. 44) Jason stood up for himself despite being fond of her. “They’re not reflected in that outline because you didn’t work with me on anything before you made it”. (pg.43). The ending in general was a bit bitter sweet and could’ve been executed better.


Personally, I feel like the dialogue between not just Jason and Kyra but all of the characters were kind of corny. Understanding that this book was made in the early 2000s, reading it in a more improved slang era portrayed the characters as having less depth. Their “slang” made the conversation between the two main characters uninteresting. Overall, the book in general describes a great romance between two lovers from different sides. A classic opposites attract story. If you read “ Flipped” then you would like this book because it shows the perspectives of both teenage characters developing a romance between each other while also learning more about themselves as a whole. I would give this book a 3 star rating out of 5. The dialect between all the characters kind of threw me off as a whole and made me perceive their romance as a little dull. I still am intrigued by the book structure and build up to the romance.

[D'Laycia McCullough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason and Kyra is a teen drama story involving Jason Vincent and Kyra Evans. Jason was your typical popular guy, and Kyra was your typical nerd. Jason was a basketball player, and had the most popular girl as his girlfriend. He kept secrets from his girlfriend and also his friends. He kept the fact that he was really smart when it came to English and enjoyed writing. So when he had AP English with Kyra he ended up developing feelings for her. He always liked Kyra but his feelings for her got deeper once they were partnered for a project. Kyra Evans was such a good girl. She was a sweetheart. Kyra loved science and was trying to get a science scholarship.

Jason and Kyra we’re two different people. Kyra lived an amazing life while Jason lived a somewhat okay life. Jason’s dad was verbally abusive and his mother had died. Throughout the time of their project, Jason and Kyra find themselves falling for each other. Keep in mind Jason has a girlfriend. Being that he has a girlfriend (her name is Lisa), Kyra feels as if they would never work out plus she doesn’t think she’s his type. Soon, Jason ended up leaving Lisa for Kyra and that’s when Lisa came up with a plan against Kyra. What Lisa tells Kyra changes things forever. Overall, the book was amazing. I would most definitely read it again.

[Mikayla Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason and Kyra is a fiction book about two African American teens growing a friendship that turns into something more as they work on a class assignment together. Here is the catch-the two are complete opposites. Jason is one of the coolest, finest looking guys at Cross High School. He's the school's star basketball player and has one of the finest girls at the school as his girlfriend, Lisa. Kyra is a super smart, unbothered girl who doesn't care what anyone has to say about her and pretty much stays to herself. The two already have their mind made up about each other but that all changes when they begin sharing things with each other they wouldn't tell anyone else. Their relationship grows deeper and eventually leads to them falling in love. The two grow to learn how to navigate their way through life in this young adult read.

This book is a must read. This book reminds me of any good young adult or highschool BET movie. I appreciate how the author developed the characters, they are very relatable. The characters talk, walk, and carry themselves just like any other teenager in the early 2000's. The book is a little cliche but its heart-warming how Jason and Kyra are there for each other. The book covers many topics that are still relevant to many teenagers today. Kyra refused to be with Jason until he ended things with his girlfriend at the time. Kyra stood firm in her beliefs and morals even though some people looked down on her for that. She remained confident in herself even when she was sometimes insecure about what people would say about her and Jason being together. Jason finds many things in Kyra that Lisa would never be able to offer. Jason learned to respect Kyra's morals, build a relationship with his father, and grew to become a better person. The characters both changed over the course of time for the better. This book is the kind that you still re-read no matter how old it is. I would recommend this book to anyone!

[Chioma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in two days and savored every page. As a teen, I can confidently exclaim that Davidson transcribed all the feelings of high school life in this relatable story. I loved reading and imagining myself from the perspectives of the characters. I quickly became emotionally attached to both Kyra and Jason for I felt their emotions deep within me. Also, the prose of this book had a unique flare and energy that kept me intrigued for what would happen next. There are elements that are presented early on in this story that prove important later on and I loved the sass and dialogue of the characters! On a different note, I especially appreciated reading about the lives of Black teenagers at a good-quality high school. This book definitely offered a refreshing tale of Black teens that did not follow the typical African American plot centered around drugs, gangs, etc. Although I seldom do this, I am definitely going to buy and reread "Jason & Kyra."

[Eliana Masterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As we read this book we liked how realistic it was. It felt like this was a romance between two real people. Their love was very pure. We liked how it demonstrated true love between the characters. We didn't like Lisa, and how Lisa said she cheated. We also didn't like how Kyra didn't have any trust in Jason, and didn't talk to him for months. The length of the book was perfect. Not too long, not too short. This book shows how a popular boy can infact fall for a "nerdy" introverted girl. We both could not put the book down as soon as we started reading. This book and the writing in it is very flowy and natural. We liked how simple it was at time. There wasn't too much going on. This led to the book being and feeling more realistic, especially for teenagers in high school. Overall this book was an easy read. Overall we would both recommend this book.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Teenage boy meets study partner. Teenage boy breaks up with girlfriend to hook up with study partner. Ex-girlfriend tricks study partner girlfriend into believing teenage boy is still fooling around with her. Study partner girlfriend believes it without proof. The truth is revealed and they get back together. lol Basic story. No character arcs, no plot development, nothing. Seems like the writer plowed through the story without fishing it out. Could have cut all the secondary characters. And the editing was sketchy.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a teenager, and it still sears on my mind almost 15 years later! The writing of this story is so well-written and I loved the nuances of Jason and Kyra's relationship. The issues of colorist were intriguing and well-approached, and I liked how the author made sure to still affirm the beauty of Kyra's mahogany skin, kinky & large hair, and her overall melanin #magic.

This book is definitely one that I would read again and give to a teenage mentee!

[Kennica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in high school. I am re reading it as part of a book challenge and I forgot how good it was! I really wish this author would write more books. She only has one other that I know of. Which is also a great read. I keep looking for more books by her. I enjoyed Jason & Kyra both as a teen and an adult.

[Chez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ADORE Jason and Kyra! They were so REAL and Kyra was so relatable. These two were total opposites when it came to school social ranks but what they felt for each other was more than equivalent, more than enough. In a plastic world of "popular" and "unpopular", they aim to fight for each other, to fight together when certain "norms" threatens to tear them apart.