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We Could Be Brothers
In this much anticipated middle grade novel by author Derrick Barnes (Ruby & the Booker Boys) two thirteen- year-old African-American boys become friends during a three day stint in an after school suspension. They were both involved in two unrelated incidents with the same person, the resident menace at Alain Locke Middle, Tariq Molten . Robeson Battlefield is from a two parent household, where both parents are highly successful and educated. Academic achievement, social consciousness and responsibility are reinforced daily in the Battlefield household. Pacino Clapton comes from a single parent household; his mom works two fulltime jobs. Pacino has a ton of responsibilities, including cutting hair to help pay bills, and taking care of his twin five- year-old sisters. During this three day span, the young men visit each others home, and "chop it up" on a multitude of subjects including respect of self and Black women, the dire state of hip-hop music, the use of the dreaded "N" word, and masculinity. Before long, the three boys are on a collision course. And when they do intersect, their lives are changed forever. We Could Brothers addresses the presence and lack of positive male leadership in the home, and how it dictates the way young African American men view themselves, each other, and the world around them. Mentorship, brotherhood, and an emphasis on that old adage "each-one-teach-one" are very real and tangible themes in this new YA literary masterpiece.
164 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2010
22 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Derrick Barnes
28 books251 followersWhere I come from, no one dreams of becoming an author.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
I didn’t know any famous African American male authors. I didn’t actually meet one until I attended college. I wanted to be a football player, the next Sean Combs, or a rapper; anything that would instantly provide me with the riches I would need to “move my mama off of the block”. I was raised in a single parent household by my mother, the lovely Miss Catherine Barnes, along with my big brother, Anthony, in Kansas City, MO.
My first attempt at writing a real story was in the fifth grade. I think it was about a group of stray dogs trekking across the country to find a magic bone or something. I can’t remember. But I do remember what it felt like when I finished and read it. It felt powerful to create characters, places, and stories that began and ended the way I wanted them to. After that I wrote songs, poems, plays, and short stories. I also read like crazy. I remember tying a shoestring around a flashlight, hanging it on the bar in my closet, and sitting in there reading encyclopedias. My brother thought I was the weirdest kid ever, but that was my way of traveling, of flying, and dreaming.
When I graduated from high school, I worked a couple of part time jobs and attended a local community college. I received an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration. I went on to Jackson State University, a historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi, where I obtained Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. It was there that I experienced life altering events and met people that changed me forever. I met my then college sweetheart and now beautiful wife, Dr. Tinka Barnes. I met life long friends (big up to my brothers JG, Killa Don, and Noir). I also became a campus newspaper advice columnist. All three of those occurrences and acquaintances changed my life vividly, but the column, entitled Brown Sugar, gave me the confidence to write with purpose. I also felt like, for the first time, that I had something to say and that people would listen. Who wouldn't listen to a guy with the pen name "Hershey Brown"?
Upon graduation, I moved back to Kansas City with no intentions of using my brand new, shiny Marketing degree in a drab, corporate environment. With the urging of my wife, I sent a writing portfolio to Hallmark Cards, and was hired as the first African-American man in the history of the company as a staff copywriter in 1999. I worked there for three years. I learned so much about crafting my words, about editing, and about constructive criticism. While at Hallmark, I met so many talented artists and was introduced to my now literary agent, Ms. Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. Within a month, we had a two-book deal signed with Scholastic. My wife and I also welcomed our first son into the world, Ezra.
My family and I moved to New Orleans, LA so that my wife could complete her medical residency in 2003. While there we had our second son, Solomon, and I landed a deal with Simon Pulse for my first novel, “The Making of Dr. Truelove”. We lived there for two and a half years until we were chased back to Kansas City by the most disastrous force of nature in US history, Hurricane Katrina.
We returned to KC safe and sound. My wife officially finished medical residency and became a full fledged doctor. We had our third son, Silas, and I landed a four-book deal with Scholastic for the ultra popular hit series, “Ruby and the Booker Boys”.
Some days, when I read to my sons or go to schools and read to kids, I can still see that little boy reading encyclopedias by flashlight. Hopefully, a child will meet me and say to themselves, “You know what, it’s possible. I can become an author! I’ve met, and have seen with my very own eyes, a living, breathing author. It’s definitely possible for me.”
It most certainly is.
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October 10, 2020
In his debut novel for this age group, Derrick Barnes takes a look at teens from disparate economic and social situations and asks a complex question: what should society do for underprivileged youth? Robeson Battlefield, an eighth-grader at Alain Locke Middle School in Kansas City, Missouri, has a good life. His parents care about him and are both present on a regular basis. His father earns a comfortable living as a university music professor, and goes out of his way to make sure Robeson and his eight-year-old brother Carmichael don't fall into the trap of low self-expectations because they're black. As We Could Be Brothers begins, though, Robeson is headed to Post-School Suspension (PSS) for three days as punishment for something he didn't do. Tariq Molten, an angry kid from the bad part of town, was caught trying to cheat off Robeson's test paper, and they're both taking the fall. Big Mr. Patt, who supervises PSS, lets the kids socialize as long as they aren't loud, and on his first day Robeson meets Pacino Clapton, another student who got on Tariq's bad side. Pacino initially seems irritated by Robeson, but gradually warms to him, and volunteers to watch out for him after school so Tariq and his thug friends don't get violent. Robeson accepts the offer.
Pacino dresses like a stereotypical gangster, but Robeson finds there's more to him when he goes home with Pacino after school. Pacino's parents don't have money to buy him smooth duds like Robeson wears—hence Pacino's teasing nickname for him, "Crease"—but he picks up his twin sisters after school every day, taking care of Lavender and Indigo until until their mother comes home from work. Their dad is out of the picture, but Pacino contributes substantial dollars to the family coffer by cutting hair for folks from the neighborhood. It's obvious Robeson had him pegged wrong, but the culture shock is just as real when Pacino visits Robeson's house in the 'burbs, where Mrs. Battlefield prepares a home-cooked meal and Mr. Battlefield quietly insists Pacino put on a belt to keep his drooping drawers up if he's going to sup at their table. Pacino doesn't act like he minds the dress code; he's grateful to chow down on good food and soak in some family atmosphere. He could get used to this.
"Dad always says the three things we should never hesitate to give away are good books, good music, and good advice."
—We Could Be Brothers, P. 125
Robeson and Pacino don't always see eye to eye. Pacino went along with Mr. Battlefield's rules at the house, but isn't shy about criticizing them later when he's alone with Robeson. Reflexively, Robeson gets defensive; would Pacino rather end up in jail like his older brother, or live a little more like the Battlefields and get a leg up on the future? The quarrel doesn't keep Pacino away for long; he knows Robeson has been good to him. At school, the situation with Tariq deteriorates when he and his pals plan to jump Robeson and Pacino after PSS and beat them up. Word has it that Tariq is packing a gun, and Robeson isn't trying to get shot. Pacino could benefit from some intervention by Brand New Vision (BNV), a group headed by Mr. Battlefield that matches at-risk teens with adult role models from the local black community, but Tariq needs BNV even more. Can Mr. Battlefield save these two teens before they wreck their lives? It comes down to a climactic confrontation in which Robeson, Pacino, and Tariq's personal character is tested to the nth degree. Will the boys take the cue and start living sensibly, or is a tragedy brewing that will affect all three forever?
We Could Be Brothers feels less than realistic, but the message is worth hearing. It can be hard for young people who want social change to know where they should invest themselves. Brand New Vision's members refuse to dwell on past injustice toward people of color; they know progress hinges on teaching young black men to gravitate toward responsibility instead of shrinking from it, cultivating personal morality before chastising society. This is how individuals of any race improve themselves and their culture at large. BNV is about accountability, and if Pacino follows Robeson's lead, a promising future awaits. I'd consider rating We Could Be Brothers two and a half stars; it's not as lyrical or fun as Derrick Barnes's picture books, and the plot could use more nuance, but the ideas merit consideration for kids tempted to wander from the straight and narrow. Red, yellow, black, or white, Derrick Barnes has something to say to us all.
Pacino dresses like a stereotypical gangster, but Robeson finds there's more to him when he goes home with Pacino after school. Pacino's parents don't have money to buy him smooth duds like Robeson wears—hence Pacino's teasing nickname for him, "Crease"—but he picks up his twin sisters after school every day, taking care of Lavender and Indigo until until their mother comes home from work. Their dad is out of the picture, but Pacino contributes substantial dollars to the family coffer by cutting hair for folks from the neighborhood. It's obvious Robeson had him pegged wrong, but the culture shock is just as real when Pacino visits Robeson's house in the 'burbs, where Mrs. Battlefield prepares a home-cooked meal and Mr. Battlefield quietly insists Pacino put on a belt to keep his drooping drawers up if he's going to sup at their table. Pacino doesn't act like he minds the dress code; he's grateful to chow down on good food and soak in some family atmosphere. He could get used to this.
"Dad always says the three things we should never hesitate to give away are good books, good music, and good advice."
—We Could Be Brothers, P. 125
Robeson and Pacino don't always see eye to eye. Pacino went along with Mr. Battlefield's rules at the house, but isn't shy about criticizing them later when he's alone with Robeson. Reflexively, Robeson gets defensive; would Pacino rather end up in jail like his older brother, or live a little more like the Battlefields and get a leg up on the future? The quarrel doesn't keep Pacino away for long; he knows Robeson has been good to him. At school, the situation with Tariq deteriorates when he and his pals plan to jump Robeson and Pacino after PSS and beat them up. Word has it that Tariq is packing a gun, and Robeson isn't trying to get shot. Pacino could benefit from some intervention by Brand New Vision (BNV), a group headed by Mr. Battlefield that matches at-risk teens with adult role models from the local black community, but Tariq needs BNV even more. Can Mr. Battlefield save these two teens before they wreck their lives? It comes down to a climactic confrontation in which Robeson, Pacino, and Tariq's personal character is tested to the nth degree. Will the boys take the cue and start living sensibly, or is a tragedy brewing that will affect all three forever?
We Could Be Brothers feels less than realistic, but the message is worth hearing. It can be hard for young people who want social change to know where they should invest themselves. Brand New Vision's members refuse to dwell on past injustice toward people of color; they know progress hinges on teaching young black men to gravitate toward responsibility instead of shrinking from it, cultivating personal morality before chastising society. This is how individuals of any race improve themselves and their culture at large. BNV is about accountability, and if Pacino follows Robeson's lead, a promising future awaits. I'd consider rating We Could Be Brothers two and a half stars; it's not as lyrical or fun as Derrick Barnes's picture books, and the plot could use more nuance, but the ideas merit consideration for kids tempted to wander from the straight and narrow. Red, yellow, black, or white, Derrick Barnes has something to say to us all.
February 2, 2011
I feel like the jacket copy describes a totally different book. This book isn't about the increasing tension between Robeson, Pacino and Tariq - it's far more about Robeson and Pacino learning to respect someone from the other side of the tracks. Tariq's involvement mainly introduces the two boys, and provides a climactic confrontation between the three.
That being said, I found the writing to be awkward and overly didactic. Robeson's and Pacino's conversations don't sound natural - not only is the dialog somewhat stilted, but conversation topics come out of nowhere. One that sticks out - Pacino is supposed to be the sort of guy who drops the N-word without caring. So why is the first time this addressed when Robeson (again, randomly) brings up that he finds the word disrespectful?
I also felt Robeson was an extremely flat character. It seems like the extent of his flaws is that he struggles to pull Bs in his classes. Otherwise he's a perfect, upstanding young man - with almost no place to go. Pacino is only slightly more complex, but at least he has an arc that involves learning about caring about what happens beyond your own front door.
I wanted to like this story - it's an upbeat and positive look at how people who seem to be opposites on the surface may actually find common ground.
That being said, I found the writing to be awkward and overly didactic. Robeson's and Pacino's conversations don't sound natural - not only is the dialog somewhat stilted, but conversation topics come out of nowhere. One that sticks out - Pacino is supposed to be the sort of guy who drops the N-word without caring. So why is the first time this addressed when Robeson (again, randomly) brings up that he finds the word disrespectful?
I also felt Robeson was an extremely flat character. It seems like the extent of his flaws is that he struggles to pull Bs in his classes. Otherwise he's a perfect, upstanding young man - with almost no place to go. Pacino is only slightly more complex, but at least he has an arc that involves learning about caring about what happens beyond your own front door.
I wanted to like this story - it's an upbeat and positive look at how people who seem to be opposites on the surface may actually find common ground.
November 12, 2017
I read this book a long, long, time ago. I was in the 5th or 4th grade when I read this (why I was reading these types of books when I was that age, I don't know). Even though it has been quite a few years since I've read it, it has always stuck with me. I definitely recommended to everyone. Like EVERYONE. It was sad and moving, and an eye opener.
July 16, 2013
I LOVE this book and will be recommending it to students all year long! The powerful lessons of self-respect will hit home with so many of my students! A must read for teachers of those reluctant readers!
May 23, 2017
Hi interest tale for young teens about two eighth-grade African American boys, one from an enriched background and one from a single-parent, economically challenged background, who wind up becoming friends when both are wrongly accused of infractions and end up in after-school detention. The main characters are interesting as are the situations they face, and both have secrets. Sometimes, though, the writing is strained in an attempt to be hip and the ending a bit too sweet. What knocks the rating down to a three, for me, is the incredibly one-dimensional female characters. While one of the teen's mothers is an entrepreneur, we only see her cooking lasagna, and the one young woman, who's a love interest for one of the protagonists, is more consumed with her looks and dress than the fact that she's called a slut in jest. It's great that the other boy stands up for her and that hurtful treatment, but it's not enough.
April 24, 2011
Two 8th grade African-American boys from very different sides of the track (Robeson and Pacino) become unlikely friends when they bond during after-school suspension because of a common enemy. I was looking forward to this urban school story after hearing it promoted at a conference as short, readable, engaging and having great dialogue. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The underlying messages about getting along with others, appreciating differences and striving for excellence are all great, but I don't think the presentation will work for teens. Other reviewers here used words like "preachy," "didactic" and "heavy-handed" to describe the writing - and I agree. The characters felt too stereotypical to me, and the rapid development of the friendship (the plot covers only one week) didn't ring true. Yes, it's short with good dialogue but I thought it lacked depth. Too bad, because it 's a good premise for a YA book.
November 9, 2010
Robeson and Pacino are 8th graders spending time in PSS – Post-School Suspension for their misbehavior. Normally they wouldn’t even talk to one another – the prep from the suburbs and the tough guy from the “hood”. United by their need to stay away from and fear of Tariq, the pair become fast friends and find out they have much more in common than the thought.
This is a pretty simple story with some pretty obvious messages, but important ones -- try hard in school, show respect for yourself and your family, help one another any way you can, and more. Although the author’s purpose is pretty (very) clear, the interesting and engaging characters and sharp, realistic dialogue help the reader over look the heavy-handed approach. The ending is a little too “happily ever after”, but the story that builds to a dramatic climax is worth it all.
This is a pretty simple story with some pretty obvious messages, but important ones -- try hard in school, show respect for yourself and your family, help one another any way you can, and more. Although the author’s purpose is pretty (very) clear, the interesting and engaging characters and sharp, realistic dialogue help the reader over look the heavy-handed approach. The ending is a little too “happily ever after”, but the story that builds to a dramatic climax is worth it all.
August 18, 2018
Every year back when I was in middle school, my middle school would have an annual book fair. So one year while at the book fair I came across the book "We Could Be Brothers". After reading the synopsis the book seemed to be very intriguing, so I decided to purchase it. That same day when I got home from school I began to read it. The book is about two boys who lead very different lives, a common bully brings the two boys closer together than they could have ever imagined. That same night after reading the first couple of chapters I fell in love with the book. The reason why I fell in love immediately is because the book creates suspense. Another reason why I fell in love with the book is because it discusses the topic of bullying. Bullying is a big topic throughout the U.S especially within teenagers. The book also teaches readers about friendship. A lesson I learned from reading this book in regards to friendship, is that no matter how different you and someone else may be, that shouldn't stop you two from becoming friends. Author Derrick Barnes did an amazing job at writing a book, that is very easy for teens to read and relate to.
September 26, 2023
The message is so positive and uplifting, and I am here for it. I loved the message of brotherhood and community! I'm a little concerned that my students might not find it believable because it feels a little forced sometimes, but I would still recommend it.
April 18, 2018
My son read this book and he loved it. He was 11 at the time.
January 15, 2020
good ass book
September 21, 2020
I thought he did a good job...had only read his picture books before this. Glad I read it...couldn’t put it down once I started it c:
December 20, 2020
Not the best writing, but a good story of friendship and community spirit.
March 30, 2021
Very enjoyable.
August 29, 2011
First, based on the cover, I thought the book involve a variety of narrations from Pacino, Robeson and Tariq. It does not. First, Pacino acts all "hard" and then decides to be friends with Robeson. It happens completely out of the blue in my opinion. Robeson has zero personality, he preaches and preaches and preaches but he's believable because I definitely knew annoying know0it-all kids like him when I was in junior high. I'm not so sure the author intended to make him sound so insufferable though but like Pacino, I was irritated at how he always quoted his father's life lessons at random moments. Robeson's only flaw was that he wasn't a straight-A student which isn't that serious since he's not in high school yet anyway. Pacino's flaw might be that he uses the m-word or likes to fight but neither of those is detrimental or explored in a way to make the reader see why it's so bad.The most annoying aspect of this book was that fact that Robeson explained EVERYTHING in too much detail, the author explained things that a reader should be smart enough to gather based on the text. For example, "You're no guest. You come over so much now it's like you're one of my big-headed boys,' Dad responded to Pacino, calling him one of his sons in a roundabout way" (pg. 162). The author should have faith that the reader will be able to infer that the father is calling Pacino one of his sons based on what the father says, the extra text is unnecessary and it drives me crazy. The extra explanations continue throughout the duration of the book.
I HATED how Robeson talked about Rosilyn, the one girl in PSS with Pacino and Robeson. For a supposedly educated "brotha" he acted extremely ignorant. Again, I think if the author did this on purpose a worthwhile lesson could have been subtly taught but the issue of how Robeson treats Rosilyn is never addressed. Only how Pacino treats her which isn't entirely respectful but sometimes he acted a lot nicer than Robeson. At one point Robeson thinks to himself "[s]he looked like a lady today" (pg. 101) He's in EIGHTH GRADE. I may be naive but I'm fairly certain the guys in my eighth grade class did not care one bit if a girl looked like a lady. Then he goes on to insult her further by thinking that "[s]he had on a pretty silk blouse and some kind of gold necklace that she must have borrowed (pgs. 101-102, emphasis mine). You know what people say about assumptions....why would he even think that she borrowed the necklace? It was just rude and incredibly ignorant and made me mad to no end. True I was already annoyed by the talking down to readers but the Rosilyn incidents didn't help. Furthermore the continuous use of "brotha" was ridiculous. Back in the day I think teenagers used that expression a lot more but I have NEVER heard a teenage Black guy my age say "brotha." Maybe "wassup bro" but usually it's "dude" or "man" or even "n-" or something of that ilk. My father and his friends would be more inclined to say "brotha" and they usually say it as a joke. Therefore I found it hard to believe that Crease and Pacino would walk around saying "brotha" instead of the n-word.
We Could Be Brothers was a book I was waiting on eagerly. I loved the author's first book, a YA novel that was authentic and managed to talk about the importance of teaching Black boys particular lessons in a humorous, subtle manner. Unfortunately this book does not deliver. I felt as though the author talked down to his readers, constantly explaining what was going on in a particular scene with unnecessary dialogue and explanations when the reader could easily understand the situation. The book is preachy and dull. I wish the main characters had included Tariq and that the author had further delved into the heads of all three boys. Instead they remain flat characters that the author uses to make certain points. Initially I was going to give this book a 2 but then I couldn't think of a single reason as to why I would recommend someone read it. The Making of Dr. Truelove was absolutely hysterical. I'm inclined to think that maybe the author should stick to funny YA novels or write nonfiction books about raising Black boys because THIS is just not working.
I HATED how Robeson talked about Rosilyn, the one girl in PSS with Pacino and Robeson. For a supposedly educated "brotha" he acted extremely ignorant. Again, I think if the author did this on purpose a worthwhile lesson could have been subtly taught but the issue of how Robeson treats Rosilyn is never addressed. Only how Pacino treats her which isn't entirely respectful but sometimes he acted a lot nicer than Robeson. At one point Robeson thinks to himself "[s]he looked like a lady today" (pg. 101) He's in EIGHTH GRADE. I may be naive but I'm fairly certain the guys in my eighth grade class did not care one bit if a girl looked like a lady. Then he goes on to insult her further by thinking that "[s]he had on a pretty silk blouse and some kind of gold necklace that she must have borrowed (pgs. 101-102, emphasis mine). You know what people say about assumptions....why would he even think that she borrowed the necklace? It was just rude and incredibly ignorant and made me mad to no end. True I was already annoyed by the talking down to readers but the Rosilyn incidents didn't help. Furthermore the continuous use of "brotha" was ridiculous. Back in the day I think teenagers used that expression a lot more but I have NEVER heard a teenage Black guy my age say "brotha." Maybe "wassup bro" but usually it's "dude" or "man" or even "n-" or something of that ilk. My father and his friends would be more inclined to say "brotha" and they usually say it as a joke. Therefore I found it hard to believe that Crease and Pacino would walk around saying "brotha" instead of the n-word.
We Could Be Brothers was a book I was waiting on eagerly. I loved the author's first book, a YA novel that was authentic and managed to talk about the importance of teaching Black boys particular lessons in a humorous, subtle manner. Unfortunately this book does not deliver. I felt as though the author talked down to his readers, constantly explaining what was going on in a particular scene with unnecessary dialogue and explanations when the reader could easily understand the situation. The book is preachy and dull. I wish the main characters had included Tariq and that the author had further delved into the heads of all three boys. Instead they remain flat characters that the author uses to make certain points. Initially I was going to give this book a 2 but then I couldn't think of a single reason as to why I would recommend someone read it. The Making of Dr. Truelove was absolutely hysterical. I'm inclined to think that maybe the author should stick to funny YA novels or write nonfiction books about raising Black boys because THIS is just not working.
March 8, 2017
This book was a very good book. It showed what true friends should be like, both of the boys had each others back the whole time. I really liked this book and I advise that everyone reads this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2012
Diversity within an African American community is the highlights.Racial identifications are often problematic to identifying "us" between two different African American characters, Pacino and Crease here. Not only socio-economic environment but also social normality that having both parents who are responsible and wearing nice outfits and having previlge to learn martial arts are all "othering" causing resistance to embrace two boys as us. Crease is accused to be "white" like because of his normal protected childhood. How internal members of a cultural group has prejudice that "we" African American should be this and that have us think about segregation is not simply two binary aspect dividing black and otherwise. Insider's prejudice around racial and cultural identification invite us to think about social attitudes and mentality that segregate people. Gang literature for younger audience is not available often due to language, sex, drug, violence, and "inappropriate" plots. This story is not graphical like YA gang literature, yet We Could Be Brothers can be one of those proper reading for non-YA mature readers in terms of reading gang story. Eventually the social problems and issues are questioned here.
" My dad says prisons and graveyards are running over with brothas, young and old. Adn he says that we don't need to add to that population" (p.89).
" My dad says prisons and graveyards are running over with brothas, young and old. Adn he says that we don't need to add to that population" (p.89).
December 9, 2013
What would you do if you found out the whole time you didnt have any money you were really rich? Well let me tell you about these two boys named Crease and the other boy name Pacino they were friends and they didnt get alone with this boy name triga because he was a bully and there school and he always use to pick on little kids and now he is picking on crease and he wont let pacino know that he getting picked on because he knows that pacino would get on triga.
The book is really good and think that people shoud read this book and it shows the feeling of this boy feeling and how his family was really poor and he didnt have money to what he wanna buy.So whenn he went to his friend and saw that he had alot stuff that he didnt have and he got real jelous of the boy and he ate dinnerwith them and pants was below his waste and he didnt have a belt and there parntes told him to pick them up.the setting of this story is that triga and his friends was doing things that they were not supose to do because they wwas doing things behined each other back talking about them and saying they goanna kill each other.
The book is really good and think that people shoud read this book and it shows the feeling of this boy feeling and how his family was really poor and he didnt have money to what he wanna buy.So whenn he went to his friend and saw that he had alot stuff that he didnt have and he got real jelous of the boy and he ate dinnerwith them and pants was below his waste and he didnt have a belt and there parntes told him to pick them up.the setting of this story is that triga and his friends was doing things that they were not supose to do because they wwas doing things behined each other back talking about them and saying they goanna kill each other.
April 8, 2016
The book we could be brothers has a lot of stuff you could think
About when you are in school. It really can get you to think the stuff you do and
End up in a place where you don’t want to be in for 3 hours or the whole day.
It will have you change the stuff you do if you won’t get into fights or try to get suspended. Just like Panico and Roberson they are in “PSS” because of what this bully did to Roberson. Panico met Roberson in PM PSS Roberson came up to panico and asked him does he know the bully Roberson says yes that’s how panico and Roberson met from PM PSS. They also stared hanging out of school and went to each other houses to catch up.
I give this book a 5 star rate because I even did some things that got me into PSS or DMC but I learned my lesson. I really like this book because once you start reading it It’s like you don’t want to stop until it ends. I think all bad people who ends up in DMC should read this book I think they would learn their lesson too. But it’s not just that also people who likes getting into trouble a lot and doesn’t really care about what they do should also read this book.
About when you are in school. It really can get you to think the stuff you do and
End up in a place where you don’t want to be in for 3 hours or the whole day.
It will have you change the stuff you do if you won’t get into fights or try to get suspended. Just like Panico and Roberson they are in “PSS” because of what this bully did to Roberson. Panico met Roberson in PM PSS Roberson came up to panico and asked him does he know the bully Roberson says yes that’s how panico and Roberson met from PM PSS. They also stared hanging out of school and went to each other houses to catch up.
I give this book a 5 star rate because I even did some things that got me into PSS or DMC but I learned my lesson. I really like this book because once you start reading it It’s like you don’t want to stop until it ends. I think all bad people who ends up in DMC should read this book I think they would learn their lesson too. But it’s not just that also people who likes getting into trouble a lot and doesn’t really care about what they do should also read this book.
July 13, 2011
If only this could happen in real life. Two middle school students meet in after school detention. They go to each other's homes and learn more about each other. One is from a gang infested neighborhood and the other is from a very affluent gated community. My question is how they ended up at the school they are in. Then the dialogue doesn't seem to be something the affluent student would say. Both students are in conflict with a third student and agree to "have each other's backs" and in the end, everything works out perfectly. There is a section where the affluent father shows how a young black kid can grow up and be somebody else and can rise above his circumstances. The book does give hope and would be great for 5th or 6th grade students as something that could happen if they make it happen.
March 28, 2012
What happens when you refuse to give up on a virtue, especially when that virtue is to "Make It Happen?" Three young men’s life cross when they are assigned post school detention. None of them think that they have anything in common, but when Robeson Battlefield, nicknamed "crease" for his well kept cloths and Pacino Clapton a self proclaimed bad boy start to hang with each other, they find out that you should not read a book by its cover. As each of them discovers more about each other, they begin to develop a friendship and when Tariq, a troubled teen with no family and nothing to loose threatens to shatter their friendship and their lives, Robeson must make a decision that will change all three teens’ lives forever.
A quick and enjoyable read about the lives of three young teens and the all too often mistake of reading a book by its cover.
A quick and enjoyable read about the lives of three young teens and the all too often mistake of reading a book by its cover.
August 20, 2014
I found this book at the school book fair and it looked like it would fit in with my presentation on African American literature for TCTELA in January. It looked like a short read and the cover seemed to generate interest among reluctant readers who think they're "hood."
I liked the changing point of view. It really was a matter of two young men living in two different worlds yet brought together by chance at school. One boy is all set for success while the other plans to succeed no matter what.
A couple of the books I've read recently, most noticeably When the Black Girl Sings, deals with identity problems of not-so-hood/ghetto African American teens. I think we need more books of when worlds and the world's expectations collide.
I liked the changing point of view. It really was a matter of two young men living in two different worlds yet brought together by chance at school. One boy is all set for success while the other plans to succeed no matter what.
A couple of the books I've read recently, most noticeably When the Black Girl Sings, deals with identity problems of not-so-hood/ghetto African American teens. I think we need more books of when worlds and the world's expectations collide.
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February 2, 2017Review: In this boy who is kind of wimpy named Robeson becomes close friends a.k.a “brothas” with a boy named Pacino. At first Pacino was “hardbody” meaning they didn't get along because they both came from very different sides of the city. After a while, their personalities mixed and they changed each other's perspective on life in a way. They became so close because a school wide known bully named Tariq started to bully Robeson, and Pacino didn't like it, so he started to stick up for Rob. then, when a life or death situation happened, robeson was the hero. I would recommend this book to anybody because i feel like anyone would enjoy it as much as i did. I think this connects to the theme of last novel because the boys use teamwork, and it relates to this units theme because the boys went through some scary stuff that could have killed them , but they still stayed friends.
October 18, 2013
In the book We could be brothers by Derrick Barnes. The story of two teenage middle school students who are put into an after school suspension for having two different incidents with the same person, which led to them all to be in the same room. The story involves teenagers Robeson, Pacino and the one who provoked the incidents Tariq. All of them come from different backgrounds outside of school. During the three day suspension, Robeson and Pacino come to know each other as they both try holding their beef with Tariq. The teenage boys later on get to know themselves as they take a look at each others lives and the different situations they’re in or have to deal with outside of school. Together they talk about their struggles and what life has ahead of them.
September 26, 2014
The Book ¨We Could BE Brothers¨ By: Derrick Barnes. Is a book about Two thirteen-year-old African-American boys become friends during a three day stint in an after school suspension.They were both involved in two unrelated incidents with the same person,one of the boys at Alain Locke Middle School Robeson Battlefield s from a two-parent household, where both parents are highly successful and educated. Academic achievement, social consciousness and responsibility are strongly encouraged daily in the Battlefield household.Pacino Clapton responsibilities, including cutting hair to help pay bills, and taking care of his twin five-year-old sisters.Before long, the three boys are on a collision course. And when they do meet, their lives are changed forever.
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November 3, 2014Two boys Robeson and Pacino of two completely different economic backgrounds are thrown into detention together. The two boys begin to bond of their common dislike over a bully by the name of Tariq. As issues arise with Tariq, Robeson is afraid to react as Pacino wants to plot revenge. Teachers will enjoy teaching students about the bond that can occur even through vast economic differences. Students will explore the confliction that occurs when one is bullied and what is the correct thing to do in such situation. Even though the story focuses on a group of minority students they are not depicted in a bad way and that shows those who read accurate depictions of African-American situations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2011
A heavy-handedly earnest account of eighth graders from a rough neighborhood learning to respect each other and become friends. Robeson's successful family has recently moved to a new development in the bad part of town, and he's doing his best to succeed at his neighborhood middle school. A run-in with the wrong sort has him serving three days after school suspension, where he meets Pacino, who also has a beef with Tariq. Pacino offers his street-wise help, but then surprises Robeson with intelligence and responsibility that belie his thuggish appearance. Soon they are learning from each other how to build community and deal with characters like Tariq.
June 3, 2011
I was hoping for a more complex story and sharper look into young masculinity today, and We Could Be Brothers just wasn't that. It's definitely targeted for a middle school audience (or a little younger), and as a result, it's a bit too "safe" and doesn't tackle big issues (or doesn't examine them far enough).
But considering the audience, I don't begrudge the author or the book. It was a decent story and the dynamics between the teenage boys and the adult BNV group had real potential--it just moved by too quickly and was much too simplistic. I also thought it was a hair too didactic, and I believe students will pick up on that and be unmoved as a result.
But considering the audience, I don't begrudge the author or the book. It was a decent story and the dynamics between the teenage boys and the adult BNV group had real potential--it just moved by too quickly and was much too simplistic. I also thought it was a hair too didactic, and I believe students will pick up on that and be unmoved as a result.
February 25, 2016
The Book, We Could Be Brothers by Derrick Barnes is about two boys Pacino, and Robeson who meet each other in the school’s postal service A.K.A detention and become friend over a kid they don’t like Tariq. Tariq is a boy with a homebroke mother who mistreated him. Tariq gets into fights a lot. Tariq was the reason why Pacino and Robeson are in detention. Pacino and Robeson come from different houses. Robeson has an upstate house with a dad, mom, and little brother, while Pacino is from a small house with two little twins and a hard working mother. The audience would appreciate this book for the tension.
May 14, 2012
While I really enjoyed the story I give it four stars because it is WAY TOO DIDACTIC in its narrative to the point where it sometimes reads as a cheesy ABC Family movie! I did like how it focused on two black characters rather than how black and white kids interact because there are many books that (1) focus on all white kids (2) focus on how races/cultures/etc. interact and learn from one another. There are not many books that focus on the everyday lives of non-white/immigrant cultures so while the story ends a little too neatly I will give it four stars for its cultural originality.
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