Miles Morales Suspended

Miles Morales novels #2

by Jason Reynolds, Zeke Peña (illustrator)

Miles Morales is still just your average teenager. He has unexpectedly become totally obsessed with poetry and can never seem to do much more than babble around his crush. Nothing too weird. Oh! Except, just yesterday, he used his spidey superpowers to save the world (no biggie) from an evil mastermind called The Warden. And the grand prize Miles gets for that is…

Suspension.

But what begins as a long boring day of in-school suspension is interrupted by a little bzzz in his mind. His spidey-sense is telling him there’s something not quite right here, and soon he finds himself in a fierce battle with an insidious…termite?! His unexpected foe is hiding a secret, one that could lead to the destruction of the world’s history—especially Black and Brown history—and only Miles can stop him. Yeah, just a typical day in the life of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Poetry, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Marvel, Superheroes

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 2, 2023

About the author

Jason Reynolds is an American author of novels and poetry for young adult and middle-grade audience. After earning a BA in English from The University of Maryland, College Park, Jason Reynolds moved to Brooklyn, New York, where you can often find him walking the four blocks from the train to his apartment talking to himself. Well, not really talking to himself, but just repeating character names and plot lines he thought of on the train, over and over again, because he’s afraid he’ll forget it all before he gets home.

Reviews

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected but fantastic! Miles Morales Suspended is a followup to a previous Miles Morales novel by Reynolds (also great) but this time is a novel partly in verse. It's an interesting structure that took a minute to get into, but I think it really works.

The entire story takes place on a day when Miles has in-school suspension because of events that took place at the end of the last novel. Stuck in a room with a few other students all day (including his crush), they have to do homework packets while being watched over by the girls basketball coach and a school guard. We get a few paragraphs in prose, followed by a related poem and the book is divided into sections like English, Chemistry, Fire Drill etc. following the events of the day. And of course because it's a Spiderman story, something weird starts to happen....

This ends up having some pretty creepy, almost horror elements including bugs and body horror. But it really works and (of course) the subtextual themes of the story are excellent and revolve around the current climate of book banning in the United States. I definitely would recommend this! And because it's both easy to read and such a rich text, it's going to be great for teens who are reluctant readers. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Jesse (JesseTheReader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A *little* disappointed in this one. Normally I feel like Jason Reynolds can do no wrong, but this one felt rushed and a little underdeveloped at times. :/

[Reilly Zimbric · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think Jason Reynolds could have written this about anyone other than Miles Morales and it would have made it a million times more impactful.

The message, the poetry, and the art of the book was GREAT and MOVING, but muddied by using Miles Morales to get the overarching point across.

[Trevor Abbott · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
I wanted to read about Miles as Spider-Man, but all I got was Miles in detention.

Heavy handed issue book, which isn’t a bad thing, but not my cup of tea

[Clara Levi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read Reilly’s review, spot on.

I hate this as a spidey man story; the Spider-Man aspect brought this down because it felt like an afterthought. It kinda came off as a cash grab since Miles Morales/Spider-Man(s) are “trending.”

Banned books & finding your own voice is impactful all by itself.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second YA installment of @jasonreynolds83 Miles Morales has him suspended in ISS.
🕷️
This story picks up one day after Miles saved the world from The Warden. Now he’s stuck in in-school suspension where his spidey senses are telling him something’s wrong. Soon Miles is in a fight for his life against a termite as his unlikely foe tries to destroy book featuring people of color and their history. Can Miles save the #books and the school once again?
🕸️
Most will think this is simply another Miles Morales novel full of action and adventure and while they’re somewhat right, they’re also not realizing it was written by Jason Reynolds. He’s not just going to write a @marvel story. He’s going to do it with his trademark verse, his commentary on the freedom to read, sharing Black and Brown stories and his gift for taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary. Even though the first Mile Morales book came out in 2017, Reynolds does a great job of catching the reader up on events so that I didn’t need to remind myself of what happened in the first one. Prose mixed with verse and artwork by @zpvisual makes this a great addition to the Miles Morales universe. Thank you @simonandschuster for the ARC. This title releases May 2.

CW: vomit, violence, racism, classism, prison

[Renata · Rating 3 out of 5]

man I LOVED Miles Morales: Spider-Man but this didn't hit as hard for me--it felt a lot like retreading the same material without adding a lot. Which on one hand, I know, that's kind of the whole superhero thing. But I guess I expected more after how great the first one was--I really really loved the way it blended superhero shenanigans with institutional racism and I thought the Big Bad was so clever. This book felt like repetitive enough that it didn't hold up to the first one, but also SO immediately a sequel to the first one that I don't think it would necessarily stand on its own. And also the pacing--it basically all takes place in one day (of In School Suspension, which he got from events of the previous book) and it just.....yeah it felt rushed and odd.

I did still really like Miles' poems--Jason Reynolds is OBV a great writer I just don't think this is his best.

[Ashley Urquhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I don’t read a ton of superhero stuff anymore, but this hardly felt like a superhero book. I think the way Reynolds combined narrative and poetry to tell the story was really beautiful. I really hope that this book can be a gateway for teens (boys specifically) to become interested in poetry.

The story itself is interesting and the way its told creates a good amount of suspense. It’s not always obvious what exactly is going on and we’re figuring stuff out along with Miles. My only negative is that I thought the story ended a little too suddenly—I wanted a firmer conclusion. I assume this just means there’s another book to come though.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

Note: I received a free ARC of this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were to consider this a novel (or Book #2 in the series), I’d probably only give it 3 stars. BUT, I personally feel that it reads more like a novella (or Book #1.5 in the series) and as such, I give it 4 stars. Because this book is so different from its prequel, in scope, length, and form. It’s still really good, it’s just more intimate, and its novel-in-verse style (which I’m growing to love as a genre in general!) keeps it small in comparison. It also spends a ton of time essentially recapping the previous installment. So if you’re looking for a true to form sequel, this isn’t it, but as an in-between novella, it’s great. I can’t wait for what’s next!

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Racism & classism
Infidelity mentioned
Fantasy violence
Emesis

[Shea Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great! Not really a Spider-Man book as much as it was a education system/school-prison pipeline commentary but that’s exactly what I wanted out of a Jason Reynolds Spider-Man novel. His novels make reform so accessible to young adults and middle schoolers, something that is so important. Also didn’t realize this is a sequel and I think I missed a bunch of call backs throughout so I’d definitely recommend reading the first one. Can’t wait to recommend this to middle schoolers in the future!

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate experimentation and the willingness to take risks, even if they result in epic failures. However, I gave a low rating because I simply wasn't entertained by it. While attempting to tell a story through poetry was a cool endeavor, it made everything take much longer to unfold. If this were a traditional novel, the narrative could have been condensed into 50 pages. On a positive note, I was pleased that this is a sequel to the previous Miles book, as I thoroughly enjoyed that one.

[Nicole Sperry · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many wonderful things about this book. The way it is written, the poetry; the slow build; the important topics it addresses (censorship, racism, etc.). This isn’t your typical superhero book, but rest assured, it’s definitely worth reading!

[Bakhtawar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good and interesting book! Im pretty sure i got this book back in December at a Walmart, i immediately wanted it because who wouldn’t buy a book about spiderman!! 🕷️🕸️❤️!!

I really like how it extends on the life of miles morales but I did not know it was a sequel and expect the first book to be even better. I think that despote me not readong the first book, this one was still really cool and i liked it. I think the style and the poetry added to miles character and added more to the book. I just think that sometimes I didnt understand all the poetry and may have taken me a while to get some of it if i did. What i really enjoyed rhough was all the sketched and the total vibes and complete story of the book, the graphics enhanced the story and the villains and characters in the story were also really well written!!

[Finley Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a little bias because I LOVE MILES MORALES!!

The pacing is a little bit slow in the beginning, and the climax seems pretty rushed, but everything is satisfying in the end, and more things make sense.

There’s subtle foreshadowing in this book that you don’t really get until the conflict reaches its peak which is also really nice.

I loveee the commentary on social issues in this book as well! This book is very authentic with its use of poems that are supposed to be written by Miles which I just ADORED. The structure of this book made it such an easy read.

I wasn’t expecting to be too into this book, but I turned the last page with a smile on my face. :)

Was definitely more of a calm read, and I would recommend this to any miles morales fan!!

[ashley marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I knew Reynolds would nail this, but the balance of narration to poetry was perfect. It’s got commentary on the education system, the treatment of young adults, especially our minorities, familial pressures, and more without it being a PSA or losing the connection to Miles. Reynolds really understood Miles and his voice.

The story was well paced, but I do think if you’re a Marvel fan, you may be disappointed with how long it takes to get to “action.” The Spider-Man aspects take a backseat to Mile’s journey of discovery and learning how to still be Spider-Man. I also appreciated the little sketches and scenes embedded into the story. It again added to the overall vibe of the story and authenticity.

Highly recommend this book to Marvel fans and young readers alike.

[ferdi 🍉 · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved every single freaking second of this!! the poetry mixed with the narration was such a fun twist & made the book truly feel like an authentic jason reynolds book. this has to be one of my fav books ever now, i had so much fun reading it and seeing more of this rendition of miles!! it felt more like the version from the movie, which was refreshing (compared to the first novel in this duology).

anyway, now i want to rewatch the spiderverse movies all over again 😭

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come. 4.5 stars. So you ever wonder what it would be like if Spider-Man got in-school suspension for allegedly stealing sausages? (He didn't do it but got accused for it anyway.) Well, wonder no longer. Miles has to deal with a pretty wild day as a result. I loved this story, told in a combo of prose and poetry. The audiobook reading is pretty dynamic too. Would recommend either version (print or audio - read both ways).

[Flesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books where it pays to go slow. it isn't a book to gulp down. There is a lot going on tucked into this book about Miles Morales tucked into the body of a superhero.

Here you will walk in the shoes of a black male teen who is also Spiderman. He finds himself suspended after standing up to a teacher who doesn't teach black history or rather teaches a pretty slanted view. The teacher also expects the worst from Miles. There is a lot within these pages to think about.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

p.24 "As if someone or something had decided/ ugly and unkind should be on display,/ unfinished and unpolished, but labeled/ a masterpiece."
p.35 "And how will I ever make it in the/ world if I don't learn to keep quiet and/ kiss the hand that sometimes slaps me down?"
p.140 "I know Ganke lying, but I act like/ he not because I don't want him to be."

[Rummanah (Books in the Spotlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the set up of prose and verse to be confusing at first but I slowly got the rhythm and the story followed easily for me. I really like how the big evil is focused on censorship which unfortunately is very timely.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not gonna lie this is a contender for my favorite book of the year! Only the amazing Jason Reynolds could weave the harmful effects of book bans and censorship, into a Spiderman villian. Absolutely beautifully written. Loved every single second of this!

[Tyler Obenauf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars from me.

This was a unique novel - told from the perspective of Miles Morales as he is serving in-school suspension.

The novel goes between traditional storytelling to poetry written by Miles.

I enjoyed it, but not as much as I could have.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I love Jason Reynolds writing is an understatement. Love love love. Enjoyed many of the poems to the point I took pictures of them, but also (and probably partially my own fault for reading it in the midst of kids and constantly being interrupted) took me a minute to figure out the plot and even felt as though some of the plot lines could have been developed more.

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles Morales strikes again! This was not what I expected. Poetry was wonderful, yet slowed me down. Not a big poetry reader. Message was on point.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't as strong of a book as the first Miles Morales book Jason Reynolds wrote. It invites you to think and reflect, but it also was a bit over my head at certain points. I do love everything Reynolds has done to fight book banning and I think this book is a great example of this. I also enjoyed that it was all written as a whole school day. This villain was hard to understand but also terrifying - and of course, after finishing, I found a bug crawling on me. Overall, a book I would recommend (especially to a kid wanting a superhero story), but not as fantastic as other Reynolds books.
contains violence, one teen kissing, teen romance, mild cursing

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miles Morales is back as Spider-Man but instead of saving lives, he’s in detention and crushing on a classmate named Alicia.  Miles Morales Suspended by Jason Reynolds is a novel that takes place after the event of Into the Spiderverse and the first Miles Morales book. The book picks up with Miles being comfortable with his Spidey sense and physical abilities.  Talking with girls though? That’s much more difficult. In between classes with best friend Ganke and flirting with Alicia, Miles feels like something is off with his academy.  It’s not only the annoying and racist teacher but something else lurking within the hallways.

What I enjoy about Reynolds's version of Spider-Man books is that they immerse readers so intimately into the world of Miles Morales. The life of a teenage boy can be complicated and the superhero twist makes Miles relatable in two ways. He’s forced to deal with his romantic feelings for a classmate and with the anger and confusion of dealing with a racist teacher. Miles Morales: Suspended also follows a theme we’ve seen before in this version of Spider-man, a teen who has a ton of responsibility and not enough bandwidth to rescue everything and everyone.

Miles Morales Suspended is unique in that it has spoken word prose before a lot of major events in the book.  Also sprinkled in are intricate illustrations by Zeke Peña showing some of the action and detailing the big baddie that Miles has to defeat.

So who is Miles Morales Suspended for? This entertaining read would be appealing to readers who enjoy action-packed superhero stories, coming-of-age tales, and stories that tackle important social issues such as race, identity, and representation.

[P.M.]

I do appreciate the message about the evils of book banning which is a message we all need to hear. Unfortunately I did not like any of the characters. I am also not a huge fan (or any kind of a fan) of spiders.

[Addison Burleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

“censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance”

[Andrea Brinkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. The entire book is a metaphor on censorship. And it’s brilliant. And beautiful. Jason Reynolds is a gifted author. He uses Spider-Man and James Baldwin in the same breath, while simultaneously making you lose your own with his lyrical genius.

I absolutely loved this.