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Eb & Flow
A ten-day suspension has tweens De'Kari and Ebony seeing the world with a fresh perspective. Don't miss this poignant novel in verse from the award-winning author of Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero.
Two kids. One fight. No one thinks they’re wrong.
Flow
I don’t even hit girls . . . is what I’m thinking.
I roll my eyes, turn them to my shoes.
Shoes I’ma wear every day till they fall off my feet.
Eb
It was all just an accident!
Nobody was trying to mess up
his Stupid Ugly Shoes.
Now I’ve got my third suspension of seventh grade.
Ebony and De’Kari (aka Flow) do not get along. How could they when their cafeteria scuffle ended with De'Kari's ruined shoes, Ebony on the ground, and both of them with ten days of at-home suspension? Now Eb and Flow have two weeks to think about and explain their behavior—to their families, to each other, and ultimately to themselves.
Award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist delivers a novel in verse that follows Eb and Flow as they navigate their parallel lives. Single-parent homes, tight funds, and sibling dynamics provide a balancing act for the growing tweens. And whether they realize it or not, these two have a lot more in common than they think.
Two kids. One fight. No one thinks they’re wrong.
Flow
I don’t even hit girls . . . is what I’m thinking.
I roll my eyes, turn them to my shoes.
Shoes I’ma wear every day till they fall off my feet.
Eb
It was all just an accident!
Nobody was trying to mess up
his Stupid Ugly Shoes.
Now I’ve got my third suspension of seventh grade.
Ebony and De’Kari (aka Flow) do not get along. How could they when their cafeteria scuffle ended with De'Kari's ruined shoes, Ebony on the ground, and both of them with ten days of at-home suspension? Now Eb and Flow have two weeks to think about and explain their behavior—to their families, to each other, and ultimately to themselves.
Award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist delivers a novel in verse that follows Eb and Flow as they navigate their parallel lives. Single-parent homes, tight funds, and sibling dynamics provide a balancing act for the growing tweens. And whether they realize it or not, these two have a lot more in common than they think.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 14, 2023
21 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
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August 15, 2023
Here’s what children’s librarians want from contemporary children’s book authors today (which is why it’s so hard to give us what we want): We want contemporary novels about kids from a wide range of experiences. BUT we also want the kids in these books to be from a wide range of economic backgrounds as well (tons of books about mid or upper income kids are not helpful, obviously). BUT we don’t want books from kids from working class or disadvantaged backgrounds to be stereotyped in the books that we receive. BUT we also don’t like it when books of working class families do the whole this-kid-is-special trope. We want our children’s books to be honest but not to slot into preexisting assumptions. So do you see now how difficult it is to write a chapter book for kids today? Get too wrapped up in expectations and suddenly it becomes just as much about what you can’t do as what you can. This is why we’re so grateful for authors like Kelly J. Baptist. When she writes, she cuts out the background noise and concentrates solely on great characters, plotting, and just general storytelling. And with her book Eb & Flow (which I’m a little embarrassed to confess is my first Baptist book I’ve read to date) you get all that complexity, all that nuance, and also some dang good writing to boot. A book that had me laughing and biting my nails in turn. Hard to think of any other title to compare to this.
“I don’t even hit girls.” But here we are. And somehow, Eb got hit by Flow. You have two kids, caught on camera even, having gotten into all kinds of violence at school. And for what? Flow says Eb messed up his shoes, the shoes his dad got him special before he was sent overseas, on purpose. Eb? She knows that Eb called her a nasty word when she accidentally tripped over his stupid shoes. When he did, she scratched, and the whole thing got blown out of proportion. Now the two of them are suspended, and they both have to watch as their friends and family start telling telling tales. Are the rumors they hear about one another justified? What’s going to happen when they both have to go back to school? And what’s the real story of what happened between the two of them?
To be honest, after I read this book, two books immediately came to mind, which were also published in 2023. The first was Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles. Like this book, that one begins with a kid getting suspended for school for a fight. Now, in that book the hero joins up with the local community center and becomes incredibly interested in chess. What makes Eb & Flow so interesting is that during their weeklong suspension, neither Eb nor Flow really come up with any new skills or passions. They don’t randomly run into one another and hit on an unexpected friendship. Instead, the two really burrow into their already existing roles. Flow loves to swim and his manages to get away with a little of that on the sly. Meanwhile Eb is very focused on her own family and that connection and love solidifies a bit during her time away from school. The other book that came to mind as I read this was Hands by Torrey Maldonado. That’s a book where a kid has to seriously consider whether or not violence is the answer to his problems in life. But again, that’s not really where Eb & Flow’s head is at. There is violence in this story but the central conflict isn’t on whether or not fighting is the answer but instead on something a lot more basic: How can you keep yourself out of a fight? How do you fight your own instincts when everything inside of yourself is screaming for justice and justification? And to her credit, Baptist fails to hand you any of the usual easy answers.
Split between two narratives, Baptist manages the trick of never confusing the reader as to who is speaking at any given time. Even if you misread one section or another (where each is clearly labeled “Eb” or “Flow”) the tone and delivery is enough to set you right immediately. Now I came into this book with a set of my own presumptions. If you work with children’s books and read enough of them, you get used to certain tropes. So here I was, reading this book, convinced that in the course of the story Eb and Flow would be forced to interact in some way, and would discover that they had more in common than they thought. Then some inciting incident would occur a little later and the two would band together, shocking the world with their friendship. I mean, admit it. You’ve read that kind of story before. You wouldn’t blink so much as an eye if that plot were to show up here. That was, in fact, my expectation coming into this book, but the more pages I read, the clearer it became to me that I literally had no idea where Baptist was taking me. The sheer novelty of it was invigorating, and I think a lot of kids will appreciate that uncertainty as well. When you don’t know where you’re going, it’s hard to consider that you’re lost.
So admittedly Baptist uses a literary trick near the end of the book that may leave you feeling either cheated or relieved. For a moment, the book seriously looks as it if might aim its two main characters into a conflict beyond resolution. Indeed, for a moment there I was half convinced that I’d accidentally picked up some kind of YA novel, and was mentally preparing myself for catastrophe. So much so, that I was literally on the edge of my seat, flipping the pages as fast as my eyes could scan them. When the twist came, I had the same sensation a person has after waking up from a bad dream. “Wait… which parts of that were real?” Not enough to dowse any fervor I held for this book, that’s for sure.
I know that folks love themselves an ebook, and I understand and acknowledge that love. On a long plane flight, nothing’s better than a book you didn’t have to lug through security. But when it comes to my day-to-day reading, paper books are my own personal preference. “Eb & Flow” is a great example of this. As I read through this story (which, thanks to its verse novel format, goes shockingly swiftly) I became increasingly aware of the number of pages left before the approach of the end of the book. That’s not something I’d necessarily notice with an electronic book, and for a while there I had a hard time determining whether it was something I should be grateful for or not. Ultimately, I liked knowing. Particularly when a climactic moment happened near the end of the story that could potentially upend everything that’s come before. Without knowing how many pages were left, that tension would have been missing entirely.
A lot of books purport to show two sides to a conflict. I cast no aspersions on them when I say that while many of these titles are quite accomplished, there’s a depth and complexity to “Eb & Flow” that defies such easy categorizations. Baptist is an author who doesn’t try to take the easy way out of any book she writes. Here, she doesn’t let either of her protagonists off the hook. They both have terrible habits and behaviors. They both strive to do better, but have a hard time looking themselves in the mirror. It’s no coincidence that the very last chapter in this book is titled “Day One.” Want to have some fun? Watch how Baptist names those chapters. There’s hope and more than a smidgen of cleverness in what she’s doing there. In fact, “hope and cleverness” are two terms that are wildly apropos for this book. Smart to its core, hand it to the reluctant readers that might not balk at its size when they see that it’s verse. A book for all kinds, wrapped in clever packaging.
“I don’t even hit girls.” But here we are. And somehow, Eb got hit by Flow. You have two kids, caught on camera even, having gotten into all kinds of violence at school. And for what? Flow says Eb messed up his shoes, the shoes his dad got him special before he was sent overseas, on purpose. Eb? She knows that Eb called her a nasty word when she accidentally tripped over his stupid shoes. When he did, she scratched, and the whole thing got blown out of proportion. Now the two of them are suspended, and they both have to watch as their friends and family start telling telling tales. Are the rumors they hear about one another justified? What’s going to happen when they both have to go back to school? And what’s the real story of what happened between the two of them?
To be honest, after I read this book, two books immediately came to mind, which were also published in 2023. The first was Not an Easy Win by Chrystal D. Giles. Like this book, that one begins with a kid getting suspended for school for a fight. Now, in that book the hero joins up with the local community center and becomes incredibly interested in chess. What makes Eb & Flow so interesting is that during their weeklong suspension, neither Eb nor Flow really come up with any new skills or passions. They don’t randomly run into one another and hit on an unexpected friendship. Instead, the two really burrow into their already existing roles. Flow loves to swim and his manages to get away with a little of that on the sly. Meanwhile Eb is very focused on her own family and that connection and love solidifies a bit during her time away from school. The other book that came to mind as I read this was Hands by Torrey Maldonado. That’s a book where a kid has to seriously consider whether or not violence is the answer to his problems in life. But again, that’s not really where Eb & Flow’s head is at. There is violence in this story but the central conflict isn’t on whether or not fighting is the answer but instead on something a lot more basic: How can you keep yourself out of a fight? How do you fight your own instincts when everything inside of yourself is screaming for justice and justification? And to her credit, Baptist fails to hand you any of the usual easy answers.
Split between two narratives, Baptist manages the trick of never confusing the reader as to who is speaking at any given time. Even if you misread one section or another (where each is clearly labeled “Eb” or “Flow”) the tone and delivery is enough to set you right immediately. Now I came into this book with a set of my own presumptions. If you work with children’s books and read enough of them, you get used to certain tropes. So here I was, reading this book, convinced that in the course of the story Eb and Flow would be forced to interact in some way, and would discover that they had more in common than they thought. Then some inciting incident would occur a little later and the two would band together, shocking the world with their friendship. I mean, admit it. You’ve read that kind of story before. You wouldn’t blink so much as an eye if that plot were to show up here. That was, in fact, my expectation coming into this book, but the more pages I read, the clearer it became to me that I literally had no idea where Baptist was taking me. The sheer novelty of it was invigorating, and I think a lot of kids will appreciate that uncertainty as well. When you don’t know where you’re going, it’s hard to consider that you’re lost.
So admittedly Baptist uses a literary trick near the end of the book that may leave you feeling either cheated or relieved. For a moment, the book seriously looks as it if might aim its two main characters into a conflict beyond resolution. Indeed, for a moment there I was half convinced that I’d accidentally picked up some kind of YA novel, and was mentally preparing myself for catastrophe. So much so, that I was literally on the edge of my seat, flipping the pages as fast as my eyes could scan them. When the twist came, I had the same sensation a person has after waking up from a bad dream. “Wait… which parts of that were real?” Not enough to dowse any fervor I held for this book, that’s for sure.
I know that folks love themselves an ebook, and I understand and acknowledge that love. On a long plane flight, nothing’s better than a book you didn’t have to lug through security. But when it comes to my day-to-day reading, paper books are my own personal preference. “Eb & Flow” is a great example of this. As I read through this story (which, thanks to its verse novel format, goes shockingly swiftly) I became increasingly aware of the number of pages left before the approach of the end of the book. That’s not something I’d necessarily notice with an electronic book, and for a while there I had a hard time determining whether it was something I should be grateful for or not. Ultimately, I liked knowing. Particularly when a climactic moment happened near the end of the story that could potentially upend everything that’s come before. Without knowing how many pages were left, that tension would have been missing entirely.
A lot of books purport to show two sides to a conflict. I cast no aspersions on them when I say that while many of these titles are quite accomplished, there’s a depth and complexity to “Eb & Flow” that defies such easy categorizations. Baptist is an author who doesn’t try to take the easy way out of any book she writes. Here, she doesn’t let either of her protagonists off the hook. They both have terrible habits and behaviors. They both strive to do better, but have a hard time looking themselves in the mirror. It’s no coincidence that the very last chapter in this book is titled “Day One.” Want to have some fun? Watch how Baptist names those chapters. There’s hope and more than a smidgen of cleverness in what she’s doing there. In fact, “hope and cleverness” are two terms that are wildly apropos for this book. Smart to its core, hand it to the reluctant readers that might not balk at its size when they see that it’s verse. A book for all kinds, wrapped in clever packaging.
July 30, 2024
There are literally no words to describe how amazing this book was! I highly highly recommend listening to it on audio. CW: physical altercation, mention of interpersonal violence, abandonment, trauma/PTSD
I genuinely don't think that I have the words to describe how amazing this book is. Granted, I've had a great experience with Kelly J. Baptist in the past, but this one takes the cake. Told in alternating perspectives, Eb and Flow follows two main characters of the same name that get into a brief altercation at school. As a result, they are both suspended. During their suspension, readers learn more about the intricate details of their lives and the very elements that motivate them to behave in certain ways and perceive the world in certain ways. Baptist never ceases to amaze me with the complexity with which she writes in both the plot and character development. I wish I had better thoughts to provide, but this is definitely a book that all middle grade readers need to pick up.
I genuinely don't think that I have the words to describe how amazing this book is. Granted, I've had a great experience with Kelly J. Baptist in the past, but this one takes the cake. Told in alternating perspectives, Eb and Flow follows two main characters of the same name that get into a brief altercation at school. As a result, they are both suspended. During their suspension, readers learn more about the intricate details of their lives and the very elements that motivate them to behave in certain ways and perceive the world in certain ways. Baptist never ceases to amaze me with the complexity with which she writes in both the plot and character development. I wish I had better thoughts to provide, but this is definitely a book that all middle grade readers need to pick up.
October 7, 2024
Libby app, Overdrive was better
-----
This was a well done book about two kids dealing with consequences after a fight at school and spending 10 days suspension.
The narrators did a wonderful job bringing these kids and their families to life.
There were times I understood where her Granny was coming from but thought still she was too harsh at times.
I was with flow on the uncle's morning routine.. I am not a morning person haha.
There were times where I was rolling my eyes 👀 and wishing I could put them in the same room and make them talk things out... glaring for some of the things they said about and to each other and the people around em.
I liked how they were slowly coming around and thinking differently... there was a point where I was worried they were on a point of no return and my stomach dropped.. gripping the steering wheel.
What happened afterwards.. I was confused then relieved. It ended at a good place but still wanted to see if they would be on the road to being friends and other plot elements that had me hopeful and concerned.
Felt really connected to these characters and was sad to leave them behind.
Would recommend 👌 👍🏼
-----
This was a well done book about two kids dealing with consequences after a fight at school and spending 10 days suspension.
The narrators did a wonderful job bringing these kids and their families to life.
There were times I understood where her Granny was coming from but thought still she was too harsh at times.
I was with flow on the uncle's morning routine.. I am not a morning person haha.
There were times where I was rolling my eyes 👀 and wishing I could put them in the same room and make them talk things out... glaring for some of the things they said about and to each other and the people around em.
I liked how they were slowly coming around and thinking differently... there was a point where I was worried they were on a point of no return and my stomach dropped.. gripping the steering wheel.
What happened afterwards.. I was confused then relieved. It ended at a good place but still wanted to see if they would be on the road to being friends and other plot elements that had me hopeful and concerned.
Felt really connected to these characters and was sad to leave them behind.
Would recommend 👌 👍🏼
Read
June 3, 2024If I hadn't already known that Kelly J. Baptist works with middle schoolers, I would know just from reading this book.
Middle Grade Writers -- want to make sure your voice sounds authentic even though you don't get to regularly spend time with kids? READ KELLY'S WORK! Absolutely loved Eb & Flow and will be buying my own copy asap (this one was from the library).
This MG is fun, realistic, and had one of my favorite first pages of all time. 10/10 would recommend, especially for fans of Not An Easy Win or Black Brother, Black Brother ❤️.
Middle Grade Writers -- want to make sure your voice sounds authentic even though you don't get to regularly spend time with kids? READ KELLY'S WORK! Absolutely loved Eb & Flow and will be buying my own copy asap (this one was from the library).
This MG is fun, realistic, and had one of my favorite first pages of all time. 10/10 would recommend, especially for fans of Not An Easy Win or Black Brother, Black Brother ❤️.
July 29, 2024
It has been a minute since I enjoyed a kids book as much as I enjoyed Eb and Flow. I needed a book quickly and chose pretty much at random based on what audiobooks were available on Libby. I almost passed it over because it was in verse; partially because I'm picky about books in verse, partially because even if I do pick up a verse book I don't read *audiobooks* in verse.
Eb and Flow was a gamble that paid off.
It's nearly impossible to quantify what makes a person Black because Black experiences are so varied. Clearly, my life as a Black person will be different from a Black person who lives in a cold climate the entire year or a Black person who was raised by a single Dad or a Black person who is allergic to shellfish. Many different factors go into shaping a life outside of race alone. That being said, there are certain cultural similarities that are largely acknowledged to be 'Black' in nature.
Eb and Flow was great because from the first minute, I felt like I was reading about two Black kids in Black families with Black intergenerational, socio-economic dynamics at play. At every turn, on every level, I was reminded of some of my own family members, some of my own quirks, and some of my own observations regarding Black life. It was so nice to read something that I felt authentically represented Black people without sacrificing the story. A lot of books I read that have decent representation coast on it alone because the vocal minority will praise the inclusion with little consideration to other aspects. Eb and Flow hits the perfect balance.
Like out of hundreds of books I've read, this is the first one I've read that used 'funky' correctly (i.e., the way Black people do).
Eb and Flow are dealing with a lot of personal baggage that neither one is aware of, which is part of why the fight happens. They each have a lot of anger, and it's difficult for them to see outside of their own perspective. It's easy to say 'what's the big deal it's just shoes', when you don't know how important the shoes are. And ascribing malice to an accident is simpler than doing the hard work of forgiveness. Being angry is usually a lot easier than admitting hurt.
Especially if you're like Eb and Flow who already feel so isolated in their circumstances: how could he/she possibly understand what I'm going through? He/she must be a jerk who just enjoys causing trouble. Kids often think of themselves as the main character in everyone's lives rather than their own.
The book did a great job at juggling individual responsibility with the cumulative series of seemingly disconnected smaller decisions that created the groundwork for the fight. In this way, the fight became a microcosm of a broader fight for control. It's important to understand the motivating factors if there ever is to be real change long term.
I hope Black kids will enjoy reading a book that has such fantastic relatability. Plus, it's not only relatable, it's funny too. Eb and Flow are such vibrant, playful people. Their reactions to the situations they're in are hilarious; the book equivalent of those kids in class who you know you shouldn't laugh at because the teacher is upset, but you can't help it. Black kids are often labeled disruptors - unjustly so most of the time - yet Baptist makes their disruptive antics a reflection of their deeper character in spite of the disturbance. Sometimes kids are funny, it's just the wrong moment or venue, not the humor or wit that's the problem. Black kids are paradoxically expected to be jokesters (Black people are naturally cool, cool = funny) at the same time that they're demonized for it (Black people just don't know how to act right).
My only complaint is that the end solution comes from . I feel it upended the very grounded, rational build-up that came beforehand. It suddenly drifted into borderline if not outright magical realism. It was a cheap way of resolving the deeper conflict brewing - it also didn't actually address considering the two never spoke with the other players involved.
Enough gushing: Seriously, read the book. You can tell I adored it or I wouldn't have bothered writing such a long review (typically, I save long reviews for hating). I am moving the other Kelly J. Baptist books up my TBR posthaste.
Eb and Flow was a gamble that paid off.
It's nearly impossible to quantify what makes a person Black because Black experiences are so varied. Clearly, my life as a Black person will be different from a Black person who lives in a cold climate the entire year or a Black person who was raised by a single Dad or a Black person who is allergic to shellfish. Many different factors go into shaping a life outside of race alone. That being said, there are certain cultural similarities that are largely acknowledged to be 'Black' in nature.
Eb and Flow was great because from the first minute, I felt like I was reading about two Black kids in Black families with Black intergenerational, socio-economic dynamics at play. At every turn, on every level, I was reminded of some of my own family members, some of my own quirks, and some of my own observations regarding Black life. It was so nice to read something that I felt authentically represented Black people without sacrificing the story. A lot of books I read that have decent representation coast on it alone because the vocal minority will praise the inclusion with little consideration to other aspects. Eb and Flow hits the perfect balance.
Like out of hundreds of books I've read, this is the first one I've read that used 'funky' correctly (i.e., the way Black people do).
Eb and Flow are dealing with a lot of personal baggage that neither one is aware of, which is part of why the fight happens. They each have a lot of anger, and it's difficult for them to see outside of their own perspective. It's easy to say 'what's the big deal it's just shoes', when you don't know how important the shoes are. And ascribing malice to an accident is simpler than doing the hard work of forgiveness. Being angry is usually a lot easier than admitting hurt.
Especially if you're like Eb and Flow who already feel so isolated in their circumstances: how could he/she possibly understand what I'm going through? He/she must be a jerk who just enjoys causing trouble. Kids often think of themselves as the main character in everyone's lives rather than their own.
The book did a great job at juggling individual responsibility with the cumulative series of seemingly disconnected smaller decisions that created the groundwork for the fight. In this way, the fight became a microcosm of a broader fight for control. It's important to understand the motivating factors if there ever is to be real change long term.
I hope Black kids will enjoy reading a book that has such fantastic relatability. Plus, it's not only relatable, it's funny too. Eb and Flow are such vibrant, playful people. Their reactions to the situations they're in are hilarious; the book equivalent of those kids in class who you know you shouldn't laugh at because the teacher is upset, but you can't help it. Black kids are often labeled disruptors - unjustly so most of the time - yet Baptist makes their disruptive antics a reflection of their deeper character in spite of the disturbance. Sometimes kids are funny, it's just the wrong moment or venue, not the humor or wit that's the problem. Black kids are paradoxically expected to be jokesters (Black people are naturally cool, cool = funny) at the same time that they're demonized for it (Black people just don't know how to act right).
My only complaint is that the end solution comes from . I feel it upended the very grounded, rational build-up that came beforehand. It suddenly drifted into borderline if not outright magical realism. It was a cheap way of resolving the deeper conflict brewing - it also didn't actually address considering the two never spoke with the other players involved.
Enough gushing: Seriously, read the book. You can tell I adored it or I wouldn't have bothered writing such a long review (typically, I save long reviews for hating). I am moving the other Kelly J. Baptist books up my TBR posthaste.
September 21, 2024
This shows how things can escalate quickly between young people when they don’t think before they act. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
January 12, 2023
E ARC provided by Netgalley
DeKari, who prefers to be called Flow, gets into an altercation with Ebony (Eb) after a kerfuffle where Eb spills barbecue sauce on shoes his father gave him before being deployed and Flow hits her in the face. This is caught on security cameras, and results in a ten day suspension for both of them. Their families are not happy. With Flow's father away, his mother looks to his Uncle Reggie for help in filling his time away from school and making sure he gets his homework done. For Eb, it's even more complicated. Her father is in Texas, and her mother is nearby, but Eb and her sister and her sister's son are all living with their grandmother, who taught school for 38 years. The two struggle to find ways to fill their time during their suspension, and Flow takes up swimming. Flow's brother Cas and Eb's sister Poke have a surprising relationship that leads to some problems with rival groups, and that causes a lot of stress as well. Are Eb and Flow sworn enemies who are always in trouble, or children dealing with challenging lives who have a misunderstanding that snowballs?
Strengths: My students love Baptiste's work, especially The Swag is in the Socks, and one of my 8th grade boys was so interested in this book that he came in every day during study hall to read it on my E Reader! The cover is great (same artist as the aforementioned title, I suspect), and the story dissects Flow and Eb's baggage that is brought to their confrontation, and unpacks it as the book progresses. The supporting characters that swirl in and out of their lives are interesting, and the depiction of how they spend their time while out of school will be appealing to students who have wondered what happens to their classmates who are suddenly out for a long time, or who have spent a bit of time away from school themselves. The concept that we share similarities even with our "enemies" is thought provoking.
Weaknesses: The verse format from two perspectives, along with the speech patterns, made this one somewhat difficult for me to follow. I'm curious to see how the page formatting looks in the print version, because I think part of this difficulty might have been caused by the way the page layout was displayed in the E ARC.
What I really think: There are more books about children getting suspended than I suspected: Broaddus' The Usual Suspects, Farmer's Malcolm and Me, Ross' The Amazing Beef Squad, Cho's Troublemaker, Lucas' Thanks a Lot, Universe, and Johnson's Playing the Cards Your Dealt are just a start
DeKari, who prefers to be called Flow, gets into an altercation with Ebony (Eb) after a kerfuffle where Eb spills barbecue sauce on shoes his father gave him before being deployed and Flow hits her in the face. This is caught on security cameras, and results in a ten day suspension for both of them. Their families are not happy. With Flow's father away, his mother looks to his Uncle Reggie for help in filling his time away from school and making sure he gets his homework done. For Eb, it's even more complicated. Her father is in Texas, and her mother is nearby, but Eb and her sister and her sister's son are all living with their grandmother, who taught school for 38 years. The two struggle to find ways to fill their time during their suspension, and Flow takes up swimming. Flow's brother Cas and Eb's sister Poke have a surprising relationship that leads to some problems with rival groups, and that causes a lot of stress as well. Are Eb and Flow sworn enemies who are always in trouble, or children dealing with challenging lives who have a misunderstanding that snowballs?
Strengths: My students love Baptiste's work, especially The Swag is in the Socks, and one of my 8th grade boys was so interested in this book that he came in every day during study hall to read it on my E Reader! The cover is great (same artist as the aforementioned title, I suspect), and the story dissects Flow and Eb's baggage that is brought to their confrontation, and unpacks it as the book progresses. The supporting characters that swirl in and out of their lives are interesting, and the depiction of how they spend their time while out of school will be appealing to students who have wondered what happens to their classmates who are suddenly out for a long time, or who have spent a bit of time away from school themselves. The concept that we share similarities even with our "enemies" is thought provoking.
Weaknesses: The verse format from two perspectives, along with the speech patterns, made this one somewhat difficult for me to follow. I'm curious to see how the page formatting looks in the print version, because I think part of this difficulty might have been caused by the way the page layout was displayed in the E ARC.
What I really think: There are more books about children getting suspended than I suspected: Broaddus' The Usual Suspects, Farmer's Malcolm and Me, Ross' The Amazing Beef Squad, Cho's Troublemaker, Lucas' Thanks a Lot, Universe, and Johnson's Playing the Cards Your Dealt are just a start
October 24, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, Crown Books for Young Readers, and Kelly J. Baptist for the opportunity to read Eb and Flow in exchange for an honest review.
This novel-in-verse depicts an excellent story for a middle grade audience featuring two Black students who get suspended from school. During that time, their family and home life is explored, as well as looking inside themselves to reflect on the choices they made.
It all happened in the cafeteria when Ebony "Eb" accidentally scuffs De'Kari's "Flow's" special shoes. After calling her a nasty word, a fist-fight ensues, leading to their ten-day suspension. Nasty thoughts toward each other fill their heads during that time, but they both have other concerns when it comes to home and family. Both come from single-parent families with siblings and struggle financially. Middle school is already hard enough to navigate, with the joys of puberty and such. The last thing they need is to be kicked out of school...
Eb has been suspended three times that school year already. And this time was all just a fluke. She didn't mean to scuff De'Kari's shoes, but he ended up making such a big deal about it. And of course Eb being who she is, she is more than ready to stand up for herself. Nobody calls her the B-word and gets away with it. Eb knows the key to survival is fighting for herself.
Flow misses his dad. With a father off fighting in the war, the shoes Flow got from him as a gift are one of the only things he truly cares about because he may lose his father any day. He's not one to throw dirty words or hit girls, but when it comes to his dad and everything the shoes symbolize, he only knows to defend his family in the moment. Eb doesn't know that though. To her, they are just shoes.
As they spend time with family and explore their actions, they see visions of possible consequences. Can they learn to be civil to keep their friends and family safe?
An excellently written novel full of empowerment for a tween age group, the Black community, and learning how to take responsibility for one's actions. A thoroughly enjoyable read worthy of praise!
This novel-in-verse depicts an excellent story for a middle grade audience featuring two Black students who get suspended from school. During that time, their family and home life is explored, as well as looking inside themselves to reflect on the choices they made.
It all happened in the cafeteria when Ebony "Eb" accidentally scuffs De'Kari's "Flow's" special shoes. After calling her a nasty word, a fist-fight ensues, leading to their ten-day suspension. Nasty thoughts toward each other fill their heads during that time, but they both have other concerns when it comes to home and family. Both come from single-parent families with siblings and struggle financially. Middle school is already hard enough to navigate, with the joys of puberty and such. The last thing they need is to be kicked out of school...
Eb has been suspended three times that school year already. And this time was all just a fluke. She didn't mean to scuff De'Kari's shoes, but he ended up making such a big deal about it. And of course Eb being who she is, she is more than ready to stand up for herself. Nobody calls her the B-word and gets away with it. Eb knows the key to survival is fighting for herself.
Flow misses his dad. With a father off fighting in the war, the shoes Flow got from him as a gift are one of the only things he truly cares about because he may lose his father any day. He's not one to throw dirty words or hit girls, but when it comes to his dad and everything the shoes symbolize, he only knows to defend his family in the moment. Eb doesn't know that though. To her, they are just shoes.
As they spend time with family and explore their actions, they see visions of possible consequences. Can they learn to be civil to keep their friends and family safe?
An excellently written novel full of empowerment for a tween age group, the Black community, and learning how to take responsibility for one's actions. A thoroughly enjoyable read worthy of praise!
December 6, 2023
Eb & Flow.
Ebony & Flow ( De'Kari) get into a fight and are serving a 10-day suspension. This story is told in verse from both of their alternating perspectives.
This is another one of those stories that I feel is better than good. It's important. It's important for kids to know how similar they are before they are angered by their differences. This book is also very important for teachers to read. As Kelly Baptist says in her acknowledgments, " Thank you to all those in the field of education who are pouring into Ebs & Flows every day. The work is worth it; continue planting the seed. "
Ebony & Flow ( De'Kari) get into a fight and are serving a 10-day suspension. This story is told in verse from both of their alternating perspectives.
This is another one of those stories that I feel is better than good. It's important. It's important for kids to know how similar they are before they are angered by their differences. This book is also very important for teachers to read. As Kelly Baptist says in her acknowledgments, " Thank you to all those in the field of education who are pouring into Ebs & Flows every day. The work is worth it; continue planting the seed. "
January 18, 2024
This middle grade novel-in-verse switches perspectives between two narrators, Eb and Flow, after they get in a fight at school and are suspended for ten days. I enjoyed both narrators, I like the verse, the plot is interesting, and there's this really special moment in the audiobook where their two narrations entwine. But, at least on audiobook, the chapters feel incredibly short and the narration kept switching back and forth (ebbing and flowing!) at what felt like a frenetic pace. I would've liked to stick with each character a little longer. But it's an inventive way to write a novel, and I think a lot of kids would enjoy it.
July 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this one and think its a great book for middle grade and early teen readers. I love how we learn more about these characters and their back stories little by little as we follow them on the 10 day suspension. The back and forth between perspectives really worked well and the pacing of this was great. Its not a new favorite for me but its definitely one I would recommend for the intended audience because its really well done.
January 28, 2024
A nice story. I enjoyed learning about the two characters and their lives. Their lived experiences and home lives affected how they viewed their school world and how much they could "take" from other kids. I knew kids like this growing up so it feels really true. I also loved that there were family members who weren't the parents who were role models (the uncle and the grandmother). Nothing totally revolutionary for me. It was great on audiobook, too.
September 7, 2025
Incredibly strong characters, and honest storytelling, too. I think a lot of kids will see themselves in Ebony and Flow - and other kids will get perspective into some of their classmates’ lives. A strong middle grade novel in verse.
November 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book (especially the shared sequence towards the end), but never really connected with it. As a reader I got to know each character individually, but they barely interact through the entire book.
November 21, 2023
Fantastic verse novel about two kids who have a fight and then suffer the consequences. I listened to the audio book, and the narrators were SO fantastic. Really brought these kids to life.
October 27, 2024
Quick paced novel in verse with dual POVs. I think lots of middle grade readers will like this. Reminds me a bit of Crossover, Blended, and Black Brother Black Brother.
February 20, 2025
2.5 It was okay, but I wish there was more of some parts of the plot and less of others; it didn't really feel complete to me.
May 13, 2023
A novel in verse, it’s a quick read. The chapters alternate between each character’s point of view after they get in a fight at school and are both suspended. Seventh graders, Eb and Flow’s stories show that it’s important to remember that we often don’t realize that we have more in common than we know.
July 2, 2023
Ebony and De'kari (a.k.a. Flow) are not so different but their lives collide in such a way that they. become sworn enemies. Sentenced to ten days of detention they are forced to confront and re-evaluate the repercussions of their own actions... and each other.
Admittedly, novels in verse are not my favorite format. I think this phrase is given too broad a reach and authors get away with too much and don't make enough effort with actual flow, rhythm or language which should be critical components of the format. I would argue that this book pushes its luck a bit in that way too, *however*---
That said, this format is very appealing and friendly to a middle grade audience, and the characterization of both the main characters (perhaps especially because it's fine via the format of a book in verse) feels impressively real. They feel like so many kids I've worked with over the years, masking their vulnerability with bravado, navigating difficult situations with friends and figuring out their loyalties as well as themselves. It's such a perfect portrayal of how a misunderstanding can spiral. I feel like the author did a great job of putting themselves in the heads of the characters.
I could see this being an amazing book club or assigned read with tons of lively discussion potential and opportunities to brainstorm problem solving scenarios
Admittedly, novels in verse are not my favorite format. I think this phrase is given too broad a reach and authors get away with too much and don't make enough effort with actual flow, rhythm or language which should be critical components of the format. I would argue that this book pushes its luck a bit in that way too, *however*---
That said, this format is very appealing and friendly to a middle grade audience, and the characterization of both the main characters (perhaps especially because it's fine via the format of a book in verse) feels impressively real. They feel like so many kids I've worked with over the years, masking their vulnerability with bravado, navigating difficult situations with friends and figuring out their loyalties as well as themselves. It's such a perfect portrayal of how a misunderstanding can spiral. I feel like the author did a great job of putting themselves in the heads of the characters.
I could see this being an amazing book club or assigned read with tons of lively discussion potential and opportunities to brainstorm problem solving scenarios
April 27, 2025
In this novel in verse, Ebony and De'Kari are both suspended from school after a fight that neither will take responsibility for. They recount their days at home, and readers learn about their families, their struggles, and what really went down in the cafeteria.
In reality, it was both their faults, though sort of accidental too, and outside factors affect the way they each react when confronted. The ending helps get to the real story and how their choices in small situations can ripple out to unintended consequences.
The audiobook was really well done. A narrator for each character who come together during the intense climax. Definitely recommend for middle schoolers. 2026 Caudill book.
In reality, it was both their faults, though sort of accidental too, and outside factors affect the way they each react when confronted. The ending helps get to the real story and how their choices in small situations can ripple out to unintended consequences.
The audiobook was really well done. A narrator for each character who come together during the intense climax. Definitely recommend for middle schoolers. 2026 Caudill book.
January 21, 2024
Perfect middle school book!
April 25, 2023
Thanks to Random House Children's for providing a review copy of this via Netgalley!
I read Eb & Flow in a day, but it will stick with me for much longer. It follows two characters, aptly named Eb and Flow, who get in a fight at school and get suspended for ten days. Over the ten days, they learn about their families, themselves, and some ways, each other. They barely interact throughout the book, but that hardly matters. The author lets us see how their lives parallel each other, using verse to really drive this home. There's a ton of great discussion about assumptions. They both love their neighborhood, despite outsiders thinking it's the bad part of town. We learn that it's a community of people that care about each other. Obviously, they learn about what their assumptions about each other cost them. This is a book that young readers should love, and that white educators, like myself, should read. The point of view is important and needed.
The best part of this book is the messy, yet loving, families both of these characters have. Eb lives with her Granny and her many siblings and cousins, plus a nephew. Flow spends a lot of time with his uncle and little sister. His mom works a lot. Both have dads that are out of town, but not absent. Learning about them, and the love that exists in their homes was my favorite part of this story. I loved reading about Eb and her nephew and seeing her soften up around him. I loved her Granny, who felt like a superhero. Flow's family is equally great. His uncle is tough, but really does care, and his mom is great. And once again, their family dynamics are so similar, without them realizing it. The climax of this book emphasizes this beautifully.
Ultimately, this book was great. I want it for our library, for sure. I definitely got emotional reading this, but definitely laughed too. It feels so real and important, and I think the verse format makes it more accessible to young readers.
I read Eb & Flow in a day, but it will stick with me for much longer. It follows two characters, aptly named Eb and Flow, who get in a fight at school and get suspended for ten days. Over the ten days, they learn about their families, themselves, and some ways, each other. They barely interact throughout the book, but that hardly matters. The author lets us see how their lives parallel each other, using verse to really drive this home. There's a ton of great discussion about assumptions. They both love their neighborhood, despite outsiders thinking it's the bad part of town. We learn that it's a community of people that care about each other. Obviously, they learn about what their assumptions about each other cost them. This is a book that young readers should love, and that white educators, like myself, should read. The point of view is important and needed.
The best part of this book is the messy, yet loving, families both of these characters have. Eb lives with her Granny and her many siblings and cousins, plus a nephew. Flow spends a lot of time with his uncle and little sister. His mom works a lot. Both have dads that are out of town, but not absent. Learning about them, and the love that exists in their homes was my favorite part of this story. I loved reading about Eb and her nephew and seeing her soften up around him. I loved her Granny, who felt like a superhero. Flow's family is equally great. His uncle is tough, but really does care, and his mom is great. And once again, their family dynamics are so similar, without them realizing it. The climax of this book emphasizes this beautifully.
Ultimately, this book was great. I want it for our library, for sure. I definitely got emotional reading this, but definitely laughed too. It feels so real and important, and I think the verse format makes it more accessible to young readers.
November 20, 2023
This is Kelly Baptist's first verse novel although she's written three other chapter books and one picture book. If you need to go inside the heads of two tweens, Ebony and De'Kari (goes by Flow), this verse novel feels so real, you'll want to hug each one and help them feel better every day. Feelings fly, really over an accident, but each one is sure the other one is in the wrong. In those minutes, the stage is set, and these kids get a ten-day suspension which is how the book is organized, day by day! It's a novel-in-verse telling us readers how it goes, with each kid taking turns telling what's going on, their thoughts and feelings right there for us to listen and try to understand! There's also an interesting anecdote by Kelly Baptist in the author's note about starting the writing and what happened soon after.
Ten days is a long time without school helping to order their lives, though both gripe quite a lot about it and it seems they do pretty well, despite the griping. This time, while the fight was bad and the suspension worse, all the challenges in their homes means the suspension won't be even a tiny bit of fun. They'll first need to explain the "why" to their families and friends. Both are in single parent homes, with siblings and sometimes other family members to deal with, also to help and to love. There's insight into each family member, some trouble, and some fun, like most families, and also an underlying challenge of finances, not quite enough sometimes.
Eb's and Flow's personalities feel real, the worry about friends, finding something one wants to do in the future but knowing it may be impossible, plus there lies within the story an underlying love for family though the outside actions don't always show it. Eb and Flow might find that out along with a few other things felt by both. I enjoyed their story very much.
Ten days is a long time without school helping to order their lives, though both gripe quite a lot about it and it seems they do pretty well, despite the griping. This time, while the fight was bad and the suspension worse, all the challenges in their homes means the suspension won't be even a tiny bit of fun. They'll first need to explain the "why" to their families and friends. Both are in single parent homes, with siblings and sometimes other family members to deal with, also to help and to love. There's insight into each family member, some trouble, and some fun, like most families, and also an underlying challenge of finances, not quite enough sometimes.
Eb's and Flow's personalities feel real, the worry about friends, finding something one wants to do in the future but knowing it may be impossible, plus there lies within the story an underlying love for family though the outside actions don't always show it. Eb and Flow might find that out along with a few other things felt by both. I enjoyed their story very much.
January 21, 2024
Novel-in-verse isn't my thing, but I've loved Kelly Baptiste's works, so I decided to give this story a try. I don't know how it stands as a novel-in-verse stylistically, but I enjoyed it at least from a story perspective.
The story follows Eb & Flow after both kids are suspended following a fight. Over the next ten days, we get glimpses into their life as they reflect on the fight and who they want to be. Like Baptiste's other books, these are POC characters from low-income families where one/both parents aren't around. Both Eb & Flow are more troublesome kids than Baptiste's other protagonists, and I thought the story did a good job of showcasing the difference between a kid who is troubled as opposed to 'bad'.
The characters in the story are really strong - I felt that I could listen to these kids read off the phone book while their family drama plays in the background and still be invested. To a certain extent, that's what happened - most of the middle of the story is just the two kids going through their lives with very little focus on the fight. I went about 50 pages before realizing that the two kids had barely even thought about each other and honestly didn't mind. That being said, I do wish the story had spent a bit more time letting the two main characters interact and setting up the 3rd act conflict (the climax event came out of nowhere). I get that the author wanted to examine what happens when a kid gets suspended and a lot of that time probably isn't devoted to thinking about what they did, but a little more emphasis on the main plot/conflict would have been nice.
Overall, another great read by this author. If you liked Xavier Moon or Isaiah Dunn, you'll probably enjoy Eb & Flow, too.
The story follows Eb & Flow after both kids are suspended following a fight. Over the next ten days, we get glimpses into their life as they reflect on the fight and who they want to be. Like Baptiste's other books, these are POC characters from low-income families where one/both parents aren't around. Both Eb & Flow are more troublesome kids than Baptiste's other protagonists, and I thought the story did a good job of showcasing the difference between a kid who is troubled as opposed to 'bad'.
The characters in the story are really strong - I felt that I could listen to these kids read off the phone book while their family drama plays in the background and still be invested. To a certain extent, that's what happened - most of the middle of the story is just the two kids going through their lives with very little focus on the fight. I went about 50 pages before realizing that the two kids had barely even thought about each other and honestly didn't mind. That being said, I do wish the story had spent a bit more time letting the two main characters interact and setting up the 3rd act conflict (the climax event came out of nowhere). I get that the author wanted to examine what happens when a kid gets suspended and a lot of that time probably isn't devoted to thinking about what they did, but a little more emphasis on the main plot/conflict would have been nice.
Overall, another great read by this author. If you liked Xavier Moon or Isaiah Dunn, you'll probably enjoy Eb & Flow, too.
March 6, 2024
From the get-go, Baptist pulls us into a world that's both raw and real. The story kicks off with a cafeteria scuffle that leads to both characters facing a ten-day suspension. But this isn't just a story about a fight and its aftermath; it's about the journey of understanding and empathy that follows. Through their suspension, Eb and Flow are forced to confront not just the consequences of their actions but the deeper, more personal challenges they face in their lives. From the struggles of single-parent homes to the reality of tight finances and the dynamics between siblings, Baptist covers ground that's relatable and poignant, all while maintaining a narrative that's engaging and easy to follow.
With the main characters being BIPOC, Baptist offers a window into diverse experiences and perspectives, enriching the story with layers of culture and identity that add to its depth and authenticity. Though there's a mention of a curse word and a non-graphic dream sequence involving a shooting, these elements don't detract from the story. Instead, they add a layer of realism that's both appropriate and thoughtfully handled.
Rating this book a 5 out of 5 was a no-brainer for me. "Eb & Flow" isn't just a cute novel; it's a powerful exploration of how different lives intersect, revealing the commonalities we share beneath the surface. Baptist's skillful use of verse to tell this story amplifies its emotional impact, making it a memorable read that sticks with you long after you've turned the last page. If you're looking for a book that's both meaningful and engaging, "Eb & Flow" is a must-read. It's a reminder that everyone has a story, and in the end, we're all more connected than we might think.
With the main characters being BIPOC, Baptist offers a window into diverse experiences and perspectives, enriching the story with layers of culture and identity that add to its depth and authenticity. Though there's a mention of a curse word and a non-graphic dream sequence involving a shooting, these elements don't detract from the story. Instead, they add a layer of realism that's both appropriate and thoughtfully handled.
Rating this book a 5 out of 5 was a no-brainer for me. "Eb & Flow" isn't just a cute novel; it's a powerful exploration of how different lives intersect, revealing the commonalities we share beneath the surface. Baptist's skillful use of verse to tell this story amplifies its emotional impact, making it a memorable read that sticks with you long after you've turned the last page. If you're looking for a book that's both meaningful and engaging, "Eb & Flow" is a must-read. It's a reminder that everyone has a story, and in the end, we're all more connected than we might think.
December 16, 2023
So what's funny is initially I was initially going to give this a two star rating. And then I sat with my thoughts a little more and I realized how much there is to praise and acknowledge about this book. Enough to give it a higher rating.
First reason why would be that I love novels in verse. I believe they give the reader even more insight into a character's thoughts and feelings than a first person novel. (Which yes, can be chalked up to the font size, the layout, all of it means something). So while I did occasionally mess up between Eb and Flow and who was speaking....I think there is a reason for that.
You see, Eb and Flow is about two students (a boy and a girl) who get into a fight and subsequently get suspended from school. Only here's the thing: they aren't that different from each other. Both have absentee parents. Both have something that they hold near and dear to them. Both have broken homes but also someone who wants them to be better. It takes suspension (and a dream of what potentially could happen) for both of our protagonists to realize kindness and peace.
I haven't come across too many books about suspension; I just don't tend to read it. So I enjoyed something different. I enjoyed the language vernacular and cadence and tone that felt authentic to the location of the novel. I appreciate books that have a family member in the military. There is a lot to enjoy and appreciate. However, I do not know if it will resonate with my readers, my library patrons. Most of it is not relatable in white washed Idaho =(
First reason why would be that I love novels in verse. I believe they give the reader even more insight into a character's thoughts and feelings than a first person novel. (Which yes, can be chalked up to the font size, the layout, all of it means something). So while I did occasionally mess up between Eb and Flow and who was speaking....I think there is a reason for that.
You see, Eb and Flow is about two students (a boy and a girl) who get into a fight and subsequently get suspended from school. Only here's the thing: they aren't that different from each other. Both have absentee parents. Both have something that they hold near and dear to them. Both have broken homes but also someone who wants them to be better. It takes suspension (and a dream of what potentially could happen) for both of our protagonists to realize kindness and peace.
I haven't come across too many books about suspension; I just don't tend to read it. So I enjoyed something different. I enjoyed the language vernacular and cadence and tone that felt authentic to the location of the novel. I appreciate books that have a family member in the military. There is a lot to enjoy and appreciate. However, I do not know if it will resonate with my readers, my library patrons. Most of it is not relatable in white washed Idaho =(
September 21, 2022
✨ Review ✨ Eb & Flow by Kelly J. Baptist
Baptist writes this middle grades book in verse, alternating between the perspectives of Ebony and De'Kari (aka Flow). We follow them through their 10-day suspension from school for fighting, and as the book progresses, the reader is constantly challenged to deepen their understanding of Ebony and Flow. While at first we might assume they're "bad kids," increasingly the author shows us the complexities of their lives and the ways that the initial situation grew from a misunderstanding. The book tackles a range of deeper topics like drugs, gangs, and family struggles, and did so in a way that makes the topics accessible between the lines. Baptist did an incredible job writing this book and it's clear her passion for helping students resolve their issues through a variety of healthier / safer approaches.
This is a great read about labels society places on kids who sometimes just need a little extra support rather than condemnation. I'm guessing it is targeted more toward older middle grades readers (maybe 5th or 6th grade and up?). Writing this in verse makes it lyrical and the writing is really incredible.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: middle grades, fiction written in verse
Pub Date: 14 Mar 2023
Read this if you like:
⭕️ middle grades books
⭕️ books written in verse
⭕️ defusing conflict through communication
Thanks to Random House Children's, Crown Books for Young Readersand #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!
Baptist writes this middle grades book in verse, alternating between the perspectives of Ebony and De'Kari (aka Flow). We follow them through their 10-day suspension from school for fighting, and as the book progresses, the reader is constantly challenged to deepen their understanding of Ebony and Flow. While at first we might assume they're "bad kids," increasingly the author shows us the complexities of their lives and the ways that the initial situation grew from a misunderstanding. The book tackles a range of deeper topics like drugs, gangs, and family struggles, and did so in a way that makes the topics accessible between the lines. Baptist did an incredible job writing this book and it's clear her passion for helping students resolve their issues through a variety of healthier / safer approaches.
This is a great read about labels society places on kids who sometimes just need a little extra support rather than condemnation. I'm guessing it is targeted more toward older middle grades readers (maybe 5th or 6th grade and up?). Writing this in verse makes it lyrical and the writing is really incredible.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: middle grades, fiction written in verse
Pub Date: 14 Mar 2023
Read this if you like:
⭕️ middle grades books
⭕️ books written in verse
⭕️ defusing conflict through communication
Thanks to Random House Children's, Crown Books for Young Readersand #netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book!
April 25, 2023
Eb (Ebony) and Flow (De’Kari) get into a fight in the cafeteria. Fists are thrown and feelings are hurt. Both seventh graders receive a two-week suspension. The book takes place during those days at home, while the kids deal with family, boredom and worry about the future. Eb and Flow have more in common than they know, and their commonalities are revealed to the reader in the alternate voice verses. Both are good students who deal with the anger and grief of missing parents and complicated living arrangements. Both feel like their people don’t get them: Eb feels like no one wants her; Flow feels drawn to swimming but is told, “Black folks don’t go in the water…”
The free verse uses the kids’ authentic Black slang, showing their inner dialogue. Families are loving and stressed, and despite their focus on anger, the kids’ thoughts include the typical food and friends focus of the age, which I had to laugh at. I like that the author wanted to focus on what happens in the minds of kids during a suspension. It brings up questions of the usefulness and danger of suspension, especially in a fractured family. Near the end, Eb and Flow start trash-texting each other, and we wonder how that will play out when they return to school. Will there be revenge incidents? Ultimately, they find a way to move on. It’s an easy read, and one that can make kids think about how to control their anger.
However, I felt it took too long for the kids to make sense of their mistakes.
The free verse uses the kids’ authentic Black slang, showing their inner dialogue. Families are loving and stressed, and despite their focus on anger, the kids’ thoughts include the typical food and friends focus of the age, which I had to laugh at. I like that the author wanted to focus on what happens in the minds of kids during a suspension. It brings up questions of the usefulness and danger of suspension, especially in a fractured family. Near the end, Eb and Flow start trash-texting each other, and we wonder how that will play out when they return to school. Will there be revenge incidents? Ultimately, they find a way to move on. It’s an easy read, and one that can make kids think about how to control their anger.
However, I felt it took too long for the kids to make sense of their mistakes.
Read
July 9, 2023Flow insists he doesn't hit girls, but when a girl messes with the shoes his dad gave him, it is too much to take.
Ebony "Eb" says she can't help it when someone calls her a name; she is going to take care of it and getting in trouble won't stop her.
Eb and Flow are both suspended for 10 days. Eb's granny is fed up, and Flow's mom makes sure he has plenty of chores to do while he's home. Both of them are pretty much cut off from their friends since being suspended means no phones and no gaming. That means there is plenty of time to work on the homework teachers send home and to contemplate what they both did wrong.
Home life has challenges for both of them. Their dads are both absent. Flow worries because his dad is deployed and phone calls from him are rare. Eb's dad moved to Texas and her mom has sent the kids to live with granny. Eb wishes more than anything that her mom would come home. There are sibling tensions and money worries in both households that also work to complicate life.
Written in verse, EB & FLOW, is told in alternating voices. Readers see into the lives of both characters and learn what makes them tick. As a middle school teacher, author Kelly J. Baptist is familiar with kids fighting and all life stresses that contribute to behavior problems at school. Readers both young and old will easily relate to the lives of the two star characters as they see their stories unfold.
Ebony "Eb" says she can't help it when someone calls her a name; she is going to take care of it and getting in trouble won't stop her.
Eb and Flow are both suspended for 10 days. Eb's granny is fed up, and Flow's mom makes sure he has plenty of chores to do while he's home. Both of them are pretty much cut off from their friends since being suspended means no phones and no gaming. That means there is plenty of time to work on the homework teachers send home and to contemplate what they both did wrong.
Home life has challenges for both of them. Their dads are both absent. Flow worries because his dad is deployed and phone calls from him are rare. Eb's dad moved to Texas and her mom has sent the kids to live with granny. Eb wishes more than anything that her mom would come home. There are sibling tensions and money worries in both households that also work to complicate life.
Written in verse, EB & FLOW, is told in alternating voices. Readers see into the lives of both characters and learn what makes them tick. As a middle school teacher, author Kelly J. Baptist is familiar with kids fighting and all life stresses that contribute to behavior problems at school. Readers both young and old will easily relate to the lives of the two star characters as they see their stories unfold.
September 28, 2023
"I don't hit girls!"
Ebony and Flow get in a fight at school - a physical fight where Ebony messes up Flow's new shoes, Flow calls Ebony a bad name, Ebony scratches Flow, and Flow hits her. The two are suspended for 10 days.
Normally, you'd expect the kids to do a lot of soul searching and somehow end up spending the 10 days together where they learn about one another and ultimately become friends. That story would be nice and could even be powerful in its own way.
But this isn't that story.
Instead, the bulk of the story is about Ebony and Flow separately. You see their lives and families. You see the hardships and issues each child is dealing with. And you see how their lives mirror each other. If these two did get to know each other, they would probably be friends.
This is a short book. And it is written in verse, making it move even faster. Baptist explores so many topics in this, but she isn't preachy. The voice and tone is very realistic to 7th graders. It's very slice-of-life, showing all that can happen in a week and a half.
Ultimately, the kids learn about the consequences and ripples of their own actions. There is no epiphany; no life-changing altercation. Instead, it ends with a small olive branch. A short conversation. Eb and Flow don't have to change. But they do need to learn how to understand and listen to others. And see the errors they have made.
A powerful, relatable middle grade book.
Ebony and Flow get in a fight at school - a physical fight where Ebony messes up Flow's new shoes, Flow calls Ebony a bad name, Ebony scratches Flow, and Flow hits her. The two are suspended for 10 days.
Normally, you'd expect the kids to do a lot of soul searching and somehow end up spending the 10 days together where they learn about one another and ultimately become friends. That story would be nice and could even be powerful in its own way.
But this isn't that story.
Instead, the bulk of the story is about Ebony and Flow separately. You see their lives and families. You see the hardships and issues each child is dealing with. And you see how their lives mirror each other. If these two did get to know each other, they would probably be friends.
This is a short book. And it is written in verse, making it move even faster. Baptist explores so many topics in this, but she isn't preachy. The voice and tone is very realistic to 7th graders. It's very slice-of-life, showing all that can happen in a week and a half.
Ultimately, the kids learn about the consequences and ripples of their own actions. There is no epiphany; no life-changing altercation. Instead, it ends with a small olive branch. A short conversation. Eb and Flow don't have to change. But they do need to learn how to understand and listen to others. And see the errors they have made.
A powerful, relatable middle grade book.
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