If My Words Had Wings

by Danielle Jawando

A life affirming story of rehabilitation and hope after prison. The third novel from the prize-winning Danielle Jawando, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas and Elizabeth Acevedo.
 
‘Jawando’s writing is incredibly raw and real; I felt completely immersed’ Alice Oseman, author of the Heartstopper series
 
After getting in with the wrong crowd and being involved in a high-profile armed robbery, a flawed and discriminatory legal system convicts fifteen-year-old Tyrell Forrester. Locked up in a juvenile prison for two years, Ty soon realises the only person he can trust is himself. Now he’s getting out, and he’s determined to turn things around. Inspired by a visiting poet while inside, Ty discovers a whole new world through spoken word and is finally finding his voice. But will escaping his old life, and friends, be that easy? Will society ever see him as anything other than a criminal?

Praise for And the Stars Were Burning Brightly:

'An outstanding and compassionate debut' Patrice Lawrence, author of Orangeboy

‘An utter page turner from a storming new talent. Passionate, committed and shines a ray of light into the darkest places - the YA novel of 2020!’ Melvin Burgess, author of Junk

'One of the brightest up and coming stars of the YA world' Alex Wheatle, author of Crongton Knights

Praise for When Our Worlds Collided:
 
'A raw, unflinching and powerful story that will stay with me for a long time’ Manjeet Mann, author of The Crossing
 
‘A beautiful ode to found family, and a compassionate look at the power of connection borne from the ashes of tragedy and apathy’ Christina Hammonds Reed, author of The Black Kids
 
‘Hard-hitting yet still hopeful, this is an emotional powerhouse of a book’ Alexandra Sheppard, author of Oh My Gods

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Audiobook, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Emotional

Audiobook

Published February 15, 2024

Reviews

[rina dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Danielle Jawando, and it definitely won't be the last because, wow, is this book impactful!

When 15 year old Tyrell gets caught up with the wrong crowd and finds himself involved in an armed robbery, he is convicted and sent to a juvenile prison. He soon learns that in order to survive, he can only trust himself. He can never relax and spends his time in constant flight or fight mode. Ty meets Dadir, who's serving a life sentence for joint enterprise in a murder he didn't commit. He merely nodded at an associate who then went on to kill. Tyrell and Dasir strike up a friendship and have each others backs. Despite the injustice and discrimination they both face, they help each other get through prison life the best way they can. Tyrell is never safe, though, not just from other prisoners but himself, too.
Now his release date is coming up, and he's determined to turn his life around. Inspired by Malik, a visiting poet, Tyrell finds the magic of words and finds solace in writing. Will he be able to resist his old lifestyle and friends, and can he really be successful?

Hard-hitting and powerful reading If My Words Had Wings reminded me why I love young adult fiction so much. To represent young people who are never talked about, who find themselves at the hands of the justice system that will stereotype, and discriminate against young black people, call them gang members, scrutinise their music choices and even wrongly convict them is something that should be applauded. Danielle gives these young people a voice. I haven't the lived experience of Tyrell and Dadir, but they were so relatable. I felt like I was right there with them. I wanted to reach into the pages and tell them it was all going to be okay.
I had never heard of joint enterprise before I read this book, but it's made me want to go and research it because it's absolutely barbaric.
I'm so glad Tyrell had a family to support him and friends like Elisha. I'm also so glad he found his voice. My heart breaks for Dadir he will definitely be a character that stays with me.
I can't recommend this book enough. Danielle's writing is raw and real, and I can't wait to read more by her. If My Words Had Wings is such a special book and even more so when you discover why it has that title. Just absolutely stunning.

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headlines:
Injustice prevailing
Survival
Coping mechanisms

This heart-stopping story brings the reader into a world few of us will have experience of. Tyrell was a young man in a prison for young offenders, he committed a crime but the payment was heavy. The first half of the book centred on the latter part of his incarceration and the second half centred on life afterwards; neither of those experiences were easy, far from it.

Through Ty's eyes I learnt more about joint enterprise and how black young men are targetted by police and the word 'gangs' is thrown about easily and often unnecessarily. The gang matrix was a new concept to me and I looked up more information on this, I was pretty incredulous. These facts translated to characters in this story and Dadir absolutely pulled at my heart. At the end, as attached as I was to Ty, Dadir had all my questions, much of my compassion and angry tears.

Life behind bars for Ty was one big adrenaline surge to stay safe. The sense of tension he held at all times was palpable. I was looking over Ty's shoulders for him but it didn't help. Ty's outlet through this book was a talent he found in words on a page that translated into spoken word. There were some great advocates in this book and we needed to see those chinks of hope for Ty. I loved Malik and Becky's empowerment.

Family relationships were both complicated and frustrating. Reading Ty's connection with his brother and how that eventually played out brought a new set of tears. Ty was a young man with integrity, a crime is not everything about an identity even though society loves to see it that way. The Ty we met had emotional intelligence, an evolving ability to make decent decisions but some of his decisions had me figuratively reading through my fingers.

I'm left thinking, what about all the Dadirs??

Danielle Jawando brought this story to life with heart, empowerment and hope. Her words have wings and she gave them to Ty.

I read an early copy of this book but it did not influence by honest opinion.

[Lauren Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If My Words Had Wings by Danielle Jawando

I want to say the biggest most heartiest thank you to Danielle for trusting me with her baby and letting me be the first reviewer/blogger to read Wings 🪽 I am truly truly privileged and honoured 🥰💕

This book 💛 this book is so very aptly named. It made my heart soar 💛

Ty’s character is so relatable. Whilst those who know me know I have never been in prison myself, I found Ty so relatable in how he feels about his place in the world. Danielle has managed to capture how I think we have all felt at one point or another as people of colour. Unheard, that we don’t matter and that we are pre-judged by extremely unfair standards and, the majority of the time, without cause.

Danielle has this knack for writing characters so that they lift off the page. Almost as though they step out and sit beside you and you’re having a heart to heart with them.

I feel like this book really illustrates the hard truths of being a black person, or any person of colour, within the justice system. The fact it is set in Manchester in the areas surrounding where I live and where I pass through regularly, made it all the more hard hitting.

I welled up so many times through this book that I had to keep putting it to one side so I could get myself together to keep reading. Danielle really does like to pull your emotions right out of you!

The topics of mental health, self harm & suicide are spoken about throughout and are not shyed away from which is so important for the men in our communities to understand that it is not a weakness and that it is in fact a response to trauma.

I need to know more about Ty, Danielle. What he did next, more of his poetry and his progression.

Once again Danielle has tackled a hugely important topic that has a massive impact on our Black and POC communities. One that is being misconstrued as being a fantastic way to tackle crime when in fact it is, in a lot of instances, being used to racially profile individuals based on erroneous stereotypes.

If My Words Had Wings is such an important book for young people and should be in every High School Library if not on the curriculum! It has themes that are extremely relevant to the youth of today and is pitched at a level that they will be able to relate to and appreciate whilst gaining knowledge within the brevity of the story.

If My Words Had Wings is released on 9th May 2024 and I suggest you pre order it NOW!! 🪽

[Bryanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My heart breaks, and my blood boils. This book follows Ty as he struggles to survive prison and life after release. However, as we quickly learn from the experiences of those who have been incarcerated, it isn't as simple as keeping your head down and making good choices. In fact, the whole system seems to have been built for them to fail.

Exploring economic boundaries, the expectations of family and peers, mental health stigma, institutional racism, societal prejudice, and discrimination, Danielle Jawando shares a point of view that goes largely ignored or silenced. From the downright unjust joint enterprise law and absurd concept of foresight to the violence and trauma experienced within the prison and limitations on the future placed on those with criminal convictions, this story questions the lack of empathy, assistance, and legal equality in the UK.

While the beginning was hard to get into due to the straightforward style, I quickly became invested. Ty doesn't feel like he fits, doesn't know how to communicate his hurt, and is drowning in guilt, shame, and self blame - but despite all this he continues to tread water.

The book shows the importance of support structures as well as the confidence developing a passion can have on an individual. Poetry is Ty's lifeline, while music was Dadir's. However, we're also shown how easily things can unravel despite the boys' best efforts. I really wished for more of their stories as the ending does not offer a solid resolution, but the ending also felt fitting as this will be a lifelong battle...

If My Words Had Wings makes you want to scream and burn down the world until things are fair and right. It is a must read.

[George Bull · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books deals with some really important issues, but doesn't end up really being about poetry or rehabilitation in a massively meaningful way. The ending happens really fast, and although there are moments of excellence the writing at times can feel repetitive, like its just cataloguing trauma rather than exploring it or Ty's ability to overcome or process it through poetry.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danielle Jawando schrijft indrukwekkende verhalen over moeilijke, maar relevante thema’s als discriminatie, vooroordelen en mentale gezondheid. Ik heb eerder een boek van haar gelezen en was daarom benieuwd naar meer van haar werk. If My Words Had Wings heeft daarin zeker niet teleurgesteld! Het verhaal begint in een voor veel mensen onbekende en moeilijk voor te stellen setting, want de 15-jarige Tyrell zit in de gevangenis. Gedurende het verhaal krijg je een steeds beter beeld van de impact die dit op hem heeft, zowel gedurende zijn verblijf in de gevangenis als na zijn vrijlating. De auteur heeft daarnaast een hele poëtische kant in de doorlopende verhaallijn verwerkt en onderstreept hiermee de kracht van woorden/het gebruiken van je stem. Het enige nadeel vond ik dat het hele verhaal vanuit dezelfde persoon werd verteld, waardoor het op momenten ietwat monotoon was. Desalniettemin zou ik dit boek zeker aan anderen aanbevelen!

[Skye MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal - had such an emotional connection to all the characters in this book, so heart wrenching. Absolutely loved the message about the power of words and poetry as a type of therapy / gateway for freedom - something I feel so passionate about & that Danielle articulated so well. A really good read

[readingwithjaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book! Thank you so much Lauren for recommending it. I really enjoyed hearing Tyrell’s perspective and the story is just so important. It also features some beautiful poetry. Check trigger warnings and then run don’t walk to read this!

[Nemesia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The topic is so important and needs to be heard, but the writing felt too repetitive.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was heartbreaking but also so uplifting. Danielle writes the stories that need to be heard. A book that will stay with you. Really enjoyed this book.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Arc)

'If My Words Had Wings' follows a convict called Ty who is close to getting out of jail and his story. He was young when he committed his crime and although it hasn't been too long, his story of everything changing without him just tugs at the heartstrings. I love the way poetry was displayed in this novel and how poetry was such an outlet for Ty's struggles with "normality"
I've never read a novel by Jawando before but her writing is absolutely gorgeous and heartfelt. Overall, a great read.

[cecily ⋆⭒˚｡⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

tyrell is probably one of the most realistic characters ive ever read. the sh rep was so accurate and i really loved reading it.

"i carry survival in my scars
of trying to exist in a place that doesnt really want me to live"
"why are you never allowed to show any emotion as a black boy? why are you never allowed to be seen as human?"
"i just wanna be able to think and feel what i want and express it, without it putting me in danger."
"words carry so much good power. theyve given me a voice when ive felt silenced. even if whatever im writing is just for me."
"i can feel the tears streaming down my face and i think about trying to find something to cut myself with, to make it all go away. but i cant move."
"when im in it, it aint as simple as just asking someone for help. its almost like it takes over."

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bewertung
Insgesamt:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,75
Inhalt ( Storyline & Charaktere): ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Schreibstil: ⭐️⭐️⭐️,5
Cover & Design: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
— — —

Von Anfang an fand ich nicht nur die Thematik, sondern auch die Umsetzung sehr vielversprechend. Dennoch hat erst noch der letzte Funke gefehlt. Die Umstände im Gefängnis waren krass zu erleben. Spannung entstand, dazu brauchte es kein übertriebenes Drama. Es wirkte sehr realistisch. Wa sich sehr mochte, waren auch die Poetry Workshops. Sie haben mich Ty noch näher gebracht, als ich ihm ohnehin schon war. Zu verfolgen, we er entlassen wurde, war dann nochmal was ganz anderes. Es hat mich tief berührt. Denn da ist der Blick auf die Gesellschaft, sie nicht. Nur Sträflinge verurteilt, sondern vor allem schwarze Sträflinge. Ty ist nun mit diesen Schwierigkeiten konfrontiert. Er muss es schaffen, sich einen
Weg zurück ins Leben zu erkämpfen. Immer wieder begegnen ihmHürden, Clinton tritt zurück in sein Leben und Ty muss sich fragen, welchen -weg er gehen will. Dabei muss er sich selbst finden, er muss von seiner Zeit in Roycroft heilen und Beziehungen wieder aufbauen. Er hat mit sich selbst, als auch mit anderen zu kämpfen. Und oft, wenn er Hoffnung hat, wird dieser zerschmettert. ER kämpft und es ist kein fairer Kampf. Die Sicht auf die Gesellschaft ist bedrückend, weil sei so wahr wirkt. Aber es ist auch hoffnungsvoll. Die Message der Geschichte überzeugt mich nicht nur, sie berührt mich auch. Generell ist dieses Buch etwas, was einen wortlos zurücklässt. Danach hat es mich nochmal so richtig ergriffen.

Generell habe ich mich Ty schnell verbunden gefühlt. Er ist viel mehr, als nur ein Sträfling. Er kämpft, er fühl sich, als wäre er nicht genug, als wäre er eine Enttäuschung. Ty fühlt sich meist unfähig. Er traut sich selbst nicht viel zu. Gerade deswegen ist es berührend, zu verfolgen, wie er seine Leidenschaft des Schreibens findet und später sogar so mutig ist, seine Gedichte zu teilen. Nicht nur hierbei ist Ty mutig, nein. Es ist berührend zu sehen, wie er sich entwickelt. Wie er nach Roycroft langsam heilt, sich dafür (professionelle)Hilfe holt. Und dann beeindruckt er mich damit, wie er sich für andere einsetzt, auch wenn e ihn in Gefahr bringt.
Auch Tys Beziehungen und dessen Entwicklung zu verfolgen ist super spannend. Einige der Nebencharakter, wie Kias und Elisha habe ich sofort ins Herz schließen können. Gerade Leesh ist eine so tolle Freundin. Die ist eine wahre. Die Art wie sie ty behandelt, wie sie immer seine Freundin blieb, gibt mir Hoffnung. generell ist es schön zu erleben, dass es zwar immer Leute gibt, die Ty ablehnen, aber auch solche, die ihm eine Chance geben. Dennoch ist es auch natürlich,dass die anderen Charaktere erst wieder lernen müssen,, Ty zu vertrauen.ich verstehe die Ängste seiner Mutter. ich finde sehr stark von ihr, wie sie ihren dennoch unterstützt. Auch sie ist nicht perfekt. E setzt Ty beispielsweise unter Druck, wie sie über seinen großen Bruder redet. Im Bezug auf Ishia, finde ich so toll, wie die beiden sich aussprechen. Das sie Frieden findet und Ishia eine do große Stütze für Ty sein kann. Seine Familie unterstütz Ty, das ist aufbauend. Tatsächlich sind es vor allem diese Charaktere, die auf Tys Seite sind und mit im kämpfen, Leesh, die eine Protest organisiert und sich für andere einsetzt, wie Ty. Sie alle die Ty in seiner Poetry ermutigen, die mir Hoffnung geben. Denn sonst scheint die Gesellschaft manchmal so dunkel und kaputt zu sein.

Das ist auch etwas, was die Autorin wirklich grandios kann: Das Bild einer Gesellschaft erzeugen. Die Probleme, die sie äußerst wirken realistisch. Sie setzt sie so um,d ass ich sie nachempfinden kann. Dadurch wird die Stimmung bedrückend, dennoch ist da aber eine gewisse Hoffnung. ich liebe die Message der Geschichte und das die Charaktere sich aktiv für eine bessere Zukunft einsetzten. Leider habe ich mit dem Schreibstil trotzdem meine Probleme, denn auch, wenn ich mich Ty sehr verbunden fühle, spricht mich die Sprache und der Slang nicht an. Gerade am Anfang bereitete diese mir Schwierigkeiten. Zeitweise hatte ich auch das Gefühl, dass einiges oft wiederholt wird. Noch mehr von Tys Poetry zu lesen zu können, hätte ich toll gefunden.

Alles in allem hat mich diese Geschichte sehr berührt. Schnell fühle mich mit ty verbunden. Seine Entwicklung zu verfolgen ist sehr eindrücklich.Auch die Beziehungen können mich überzeugen. Es scheint realistisch, da sind gute und schlechte Momente und schlechte, die die guten kaputt machen. ich fühl es einfach. Darüber hinaus ist die Gesellschaftskritik nicht nur eindrücklich, sondern bewegt mich auch. Sie macht mich traurig, aber wird durch ein gutes Maß an Hoffnung nie unerträglich. Stattdessen entsteht eine klare Message: Man sollte gegen Ungerechtigkeiten, wie Joint enterprise ankämpfen. Eine Person ist nie nur die Straftat, die sie möglicherweise begannen hat. Diskriminierung ist noch immer ein Problem, selbst in der Justiz.. Diese Geschichte hat mich sprachlos zurückgelassen. Und deswegen sind es die so positiven Aspekte, die für mich überwiegen. Denn ih sehe es ncih ein, die Geschichte schlechter zu bewerten, nur weil Slang und Sprache nicht ganz meins waren.

— — —
Ayla

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

So brilliantly done. You really feel for the main character and every injustice he faces

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a GREAT read but it’s also an exposition of the criminal justice system and a clarion call for change.

‘If My Words had Wings’ is a fiction derived from real stories. It encompasses the stories of many boys caught up in the criminal justice system in the UK. We see its impact on those that enter the prison system and their families.

Tyrell -Ty-Forrester is 15 when he is given an 18 month term for robbery. He made a huge mistake. And, one that will bring huge consequences. Prison must be seen to be a punishment, a supposed deterrent, as opposed to a place designed to heal, teach and rehabilitate.

Among his fellow inmates, are some repeat offenders, and, we learn, several young people swept up in the net of ‘joint enterprise’ - some with decades-long confinement for the ‘crime’ of being in the same location when a violent crime occured. One of these young people is Dadir, Ty’s best friend on the inside, who made the error of nodding acknowledgement to a murderer at a crime scene in the presence of the police. Yes, he was nearby a terrible act; no, he was not involved. He will spend his youth in prison. The book makes the reader question any justification of this law and shows how certain demographics are disproportionately affected.

There are countless stories of trauma behind the people in this story and their behaviours. Just about every inmate’s bio features multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences. But they don’t count in prison. Or to a society that blames individuals for their behaviour.

In this book, the power of language is a central theme. We see the dangers of labelling & the development of self-fulfilling prophecy. From Ty’s English teacher admonishing: “you’ll end up in prison’ and describing a group of boys as a ‘gang’ and intending all of the connotations. To the language of the prison guards reinforcing the boys’ ascribed identities and self-worth. But then, we see the flip side: Ty finding his voice; using writing as self-expression, catharsis and protest.

The opening third of this book is so full of tension: it is 3 week countdown to Tyrell’s release day. Can he make it unscathed and without being implicated in any wrongdoing?
In this period, Tyrell has signed up for a poetry workshop. He instantly regrets this choice. He has a mistrust of language- the labels ‘problem’ ‘callous’ ‘heartless’; the alienation he felt at the elaborate, rhetorical, jargon-laden language of the courtroom; the alienation he feels from the systemic devaluing of non-standard speech; and the experience of his own words being misinterpreted and used against him in by the prosecution. We watch as Tyrell learns to reappropriate language and send it flying.

On the outside, the healing begins with the support of friends and family. Will Ty be able to rebuild his life after the further trauma of his time inside?

[ellie ⋆ ˚｡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i honestly never would’ve picked this book up if it wasn’t given to me by my english teacher. (perks of being a wallflower core) it’s good to leave your comfort zone :)

my teacher recommended this book, but she said she didn’t enjoy it. so that might’ve fueled my enjoyment of it because it’s such a good book that i will be asking her exactly what she didn’t like about it. there is nothing to dislike here. sure, the colloquial language bothered me at first, with the “cos” and “tho”, but by the end it felt so natural and real.
the story is sadder than i thought it would be. ty is such an emotionally complex character, and he doesn’t even know it until those poetry sessions with malik. he’s been told all his life that he was definitely going to prison by his teachers, so when he was sent to prison, he felt it was fate, that he was fated to end up in prison. “for ages it’s felt like my life has been prophesied for me [..] and no matter how hard i try, i won’t ever be able to escape that. cos that’s my fate.” because of mean words from his teachers. “besides, if i’m really a criminal and everyone around me just expects me to end up back inside anyway, would it even make that much of a difference?” this quote is especially disappointing and upsetting because in the few pages before this, his life was genuinely going the right way; he was enrolled in college, he knew he had ptsd and could manage himself better, then the police raided his home. 📈📉. and he was reminded that he’d always be in the system. :(((((
poetry!!! it was so nice to read him being excited about something and feeling seen. “those books just made me feel understood for the first time in my life.” “it’s the first time i’ve really seen myself in words that way” malik was so cool! He was such a good influence for ty, very encouraging. “and for the first time ever, i don’t feel ashamed of something i’ve done. i actually feel proud.” “people need to hear your words. people need to hear you!”
the justice system really annoyed me here. i know it’s a model of the real thing, and that annoys me so much. “you’ve gotta ask yourself who is the law really serving when whole communities are being sent to prison.” and how some people get less of a punishment because of their “potential”. “some people are allowed to make mistakes too, but it’s never anyone who looks like me and you.” institutional racism is so messed up.

“there’s so much beauty in everyday life. So much poetry in everyday life– sometimes it’s easy to forget.”
“i feel like i’m trapped in two worlds too. the one where i’m back at ryecroft, and the one i’m in now. [..] i guess i dunno which one i belong in.”
“i guess some people’s dreams matter more than other people’s tho.”
“the law doesn’t always serve justice.”

[Nadia Orozco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m truly grateful for having had the opportunity to read this book, as it left my heart full of emotions that I slowly came to understand. It’s a novel that moved me deeply, not just because of Tyrell’s story, but because of everything it represents. Danielle Jawando has written a powerful, poetic, and necessary novel that not only tells the story of a young man finding his voice, but also bravely exposes the injustices that many choose to ignore.

What impacted me the most was how the author manages to convey so much pain and hope at the same time. Tyrell is not just a fictional character; he represents thousands of young people who have been silenced, labeled, and forgotten by a system that judges them before ever listening. Through spoken word, he finds a way to resist, to heal, and to rebuild himself, and I found that profoundly inspiring.

At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sadness about the society we live in. A society that criminalizes racialized youth, denies them opportunities, and traps them in stereotypes before giving them a real chance. Reading this book made me reflect not only on the power of words, but also on the harm caused by silence, indifference, and prejudice.

If My Words Had Wings is not just a beautifully written novel, it’s a cry, a wake-up call, an invitation to look at the world with more empathy and to question what we take for granted. It made me think about how urgent it is to create spaces where everyone can express themselves freely, without fear, without labels, without barriers. It’s a book I would recommend without hesitation, because it leaves a mark, because it moves you, and because it reminds us that even in the midst of pain, there is always a possibility to fly.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest story by Danielle Jawando blew me away.
This author has never shied away from meaty, current, and underrepresented topics, and If My Words Had Wings was no exception.
Ty is a young Black man from Manchester, serving a sentence for his part in an armed robbery that went wrong.
He's consistently been let down by the authorities and the services that should have provided support for young people. He came from a family where he was a witness to DA, went off the rails educationally, and ended up in a PRU.
However, this story takes place towards the end of his sentence, when he is due to be released, and the aftermath of his release, including his feelings and struggle to show his honest intentions in a world that has a pre-judged view of boys 'like him'.
During his stay, Ty discovers poetry and spoken word, as written by many poets from backgrounds similar to his own. He finds a way to convey his thoughts and feelings in a way that feels authentic.
I don't think it is that well documented enough just how awful young offender institutes and prisons can be for those incarcerated, and Jawando shines a light on many issues, including the way POC can be prejudged and all rolled together, purely for looking a certain way.
This is a raw, hard-hitting book covering systematic racism, PTSD, mental health, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, all covered sensitively but so needed.
If My Words Had Wings is another of her books that should be on the National Curriculum. Thousands of youngsters would benefit from reading this, recognising themselves within the story.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC.

[Calyx · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars!

This is some pretty powerful stuff. The theme here of joint enterprise, of prison life for teenagers - I think that there needs to be more awareness of this everywhere, because right now, there is not enough.

I felt deeply for Ty, and I really liked how this book didn't shy away from sensitive topics like self harm and suicide, because too many books tiptoe around them, making it seem abnormal, as something wrong. Yes, self harm is wrong, yes addressing it directly in the book is a risk, but I enjoyed the change, and the depth it added to Ty's character. His trauma, the panic attacks, the anxiety, I love what it adds to his character and shows how prison can affect people. His newfound love of poetry is somewhat realistic, and his poems in between were moving, fantastic. I loved his poems, and how he finally went up and stood up for what he believed, even when it landed him 28 more days in prison because of a flawed system.

Something I found extremely annoying though, is the language used throughout the book. I understand that it's how they talk, but it's extremely annoying to me reading 'Cos, and ain't for the whole book, however, once I settled into it, I eventually started to ignore it, and that's when the book became enjoyable.

This book brings up so many issues, but what about all the Dadirs of the world: people at the wrong place at the wrong time, and then their entire life is ruined by it. This book sheds light on the flawed system, and is deep and moving and impactful. I would definitely recommend.

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Brilliant. At first I wasn't sure I'd like Ty, a young fellow who ends up in jail for armed robbery, but as I got deeper into his world and his mind, I was totally captivated and finished reading the book in 3 sittings. Initially, given my dad was a prison officer who worked with some very grotesque human beings (famous felons too), I found some descriptions of the Prison Officers unnecessary. Young Ty, is stuck there for 18 months, we meet him closer to his release where he tries to keep his head down and leave without getting extra days added. He comes from a troubled background and even so has a lot of love he doesn't recognise as that. We meet Dadir who has a life sentence for a crime he did not commit, he's the voice of hope and reason to Ty and Spider is quite the opposite. Its not until Ty comes across the power of words that his mind is opened and real hope is created via a fella named Malik. On the outside he has the support of his mother and brothers but he somehow isn't translating it all into kindness. Suffering from flashbacks and mental health issues, he learns to take one step at a time in a short space of time, only is it really that hard and that easy? Becky, his probation officer is a great support to him in her gentle way, his best friend Leesh is there to listen. I'd give more than 5 stars if I could. He's an identifiable, relatable character, even if you have not been to prison. A definite recommended read.

[kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was ... a book for sure


i didnt really like it bc its not what i came for. i was under the impression it was about tyrells life after prison and how society views him etc etc, but it took almost half the book for him to even get out. after that point it felt like it was filled with just a lot of filler - the doctors appointment and all the run up to that, clinton, his and antons beef, his house getting raided. none of this acc furthered the central plot of poetry and while i can understand that it deals with complexity of human life it just didnt feel cohesive or needed to a point. This lead to the poetry side of the book to being neglected in my mind, it was very very lightly touched on in my opinion - we just know the workshop happened, he all of a sudden can write (despite having very poor english skills - this feels like an inconsistency of a sort), he writes a lot, goes to open mic and is invited. It could've done with a lot more fleshing out. Lastly the ending was lacking in my opinion, It's incredibly rushed; tyrell being recalled and then skipping the entirety of his second sentence. This was an opportunity to show his coping mechanisms, familial relationships, his mental state as well as the impact of poetry that Jawando missed entirely. I will however congratulate her on the fact that she made the reader feel for Tyrell, I empathised with him and as a character he was great. Just wished the rest of the book was

[Tri✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If My Words Had Wings" by Danielle Jawando tells the compelling story of a young man navigating the aftermath of being involved in a high-profile armed robbery, wrongly convicted, and serving two years in juvenile prison. Despite the challenges he encounters, he discovers a newfound passion for spoken word poetry and is determined to turn his life around. However, he struggles to leave his past behind and change society's perception of him as a criminal.

This story really sheds light on some unique aspects of life that don't always get the spotlight in books. It brings out the harsh realities of the justice system in a way that hits you deep. The characters evoke such strong emotions, making the story truly impactful and moving.

The insights it offers into joint enterprises and the gang matrix are things I've never even heard of, and how it effects the lives of young Black individuals are profound. It touches on themes like redemption, self-discovery, and resilience in the face of adversity. And the way it addresses issues like PTSD, mental health, and systemic racism with such sensitivity is truly commendable. It's a story that really opens your eyes to these important topics.

[Kindred Spirit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Oh my gosh, THIS BOOK! Wow. Just wow.

Beautifully written, really capturing Ty's voice, it was heartbreaking and stressful to read about how much the so-called justice system fails and actually actively works against people of colour.

I loved reading Ty's poems and I feel inspired to look up the other poets/poems referred to.

My only complaint with the story is that the second part of the book, after Ty was released from detention, felt a bit rushed. But maybe that was intentional, to compare it to how long each day in prison felt?

I highly recommend this book, just take care of yourself when reading. I got quite invested and stressed and had to stop reading just before bed, otherwise I couldn't sleep.

I will also note that more of the book is set in the youth detention centre than I expected (about the whole first half). I had thought, from how I read the blurb, that it would all or mostly be set post Ty's release, but I think it was an important part of the story, to see what conditions were like inside and hear Ty's ruminations about what had happened earlier.

[Farah G · Rating 4 out of 5]

After serving 18 months for his involvement in a robbery in which he was caught up at age 15, Tyrell Forrester wants nothing more than to turn his life around after his release.

Unfortunately, that is easier than said than done, thanks to racial stereotypes and social attitudes towards young offenders. But Tyrell finds unexpected salvation from an unlikely source: the spoken word. This releases in him the creativity inspired by a poet who visited the place where he served his sentence.

Now the question is, whether that will give him the genuine freedom he needs to live a decent life as a free man after his incarceration...

This is an inspiring novel that does not flinch from the realities of being an under-age offender, and the potential implications that it can carry for a young black person for the remainder of their lives, as they attempt to move forward. A touching and important story.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Bekah B · Rating 4 out of 5]

If My Words Had Wings is a well written, unique perspective on youth offenders and their experiences. I think it's very easy to label these boys and girls 'bad' and to lock them up, write off their futures, keep them on the wrong path. But this book does a great job of reminding readers that these are our children. Children that are quite often failed by a broken system. Children that often have little choice as to how things turn out for them. Ty certainly became someone that I was rooting for and wanted to succeed, he shows readers that some of these young people do want to change their lives and be better people, and can with the right support.
However, whilst being a story filled with hope for people in Ty's situation, I do feel that it's not exactly representative of most peoples' experiences. Ty had a whole support system around him, everyone he met was willing to step up and give him a chance with total acceptance and understanding. It sort of felt a bit like a fairytale for offenders.
I love how Danielle Jawando writes the stories that aren't usually told and the characters that people don't usually care about.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest opinion.

TW Self Harm / Suicide

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard hitting book following Tyrell and his experience both in and out of prison, of police heavy handedness and the problems facing those in the justice system. The first half concerns life in a young offenders institute and the second half is about Tyrell's life on the outside. Its an excellent read, gripping, tense and taut as he tries to keep to a path laid down the prison hierachy and then by his licence conditions. Both are close to impossible to keep to. Joint enterprise is tackled here by the author, as is the disparity in justice between the privileged and the poor (with a thinly disguised portrait of a high profile murder in manchester) and the way listening to a certain type of music can count against you in court. Strong stuff from an author who has yet to put a foot wrong. All her books are brilliant but this is perhaps the best. Netgalley ARC.

[Camilla Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Difficult to rate and review this book.

It was an accurate, heartfelt and beautiful portrayal of a young black character locked up then released from a young offender’s prison in the UK. Very believable. Hugely immersive and vividly described. I adored the poetry and the battle between internal dialogue and external portrayal. I really engaged with Tyrell and felt very moved by the unfairness of his and his friend’s situations.

However…

The style of spending so long within a character’s head, for me, means that the story itself is comprised. I felt way more could’ve been made about the protest and it was only towards the very end that the story really got going.

Great book though - a raw insight into a difficult life. Really worth reading and I hope it does well.

[Vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.
If My Words Had Wings deals with very important topics and packs a powerful punch. I did find it a little slow in places and found it does 'tell' the reader everything rather than 'show', but it is YA. I also would've liked to have more of Ty's poetry included in the book as the few poems we got were incredibly moving. This definitely shines a spotlight on major flaws in the justice system that I wasn't aware of and would be a great book for older teens to read at school or in a book club as there is loads to discuss.

[Nathly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly emotional and deeply inspirational — I think I cried more than ten times while reading it.
It made me realize that I, too, can express myself through poetry.

What touched me most is how the book describes the daily battles of so many young people who have been failed by the system. It gives me hope that others who read this book will also find comfort and maybe even a sense of refuge in it.

For those who struggle to express themselves, this book shows that sometimes, words can be a way to find your voice.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astonishingly good writing, a haunting tale of a young man whose life seems to be taking all the wrong turns, even in prison. then he reads, he reads poetry takes part in writing workshops and discovers what he good at.

his words have impact, he can communicate his feeling and politics through poetry

when I reached the end and discovered Benjamin Zephaniah to be the authors own inspiration it all made sense