regencyfan93's review against another edition
I got to a point where the tension was too much for me.
weatherd's review against another edition
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
bettyboop25's review against another edition
5.0
Did I cry? Yes.
This book was so good. This book is about a young black male on his high school football team. He’s in his senior year and working hard to get recruited by a reputable college. While working hard on the field, his local community is imploding with all of the racial injustice. He’s faced with the difficult decision of trying to figure out whether he should focus on himself and secure his future, or if he should do what he can to fight for what he really believes in and help protect his community. Is it possible for him to do both?
This book was so good. This book is about a young black male on his high school football team. He’s in his senior year and working hard to get recruited by a reputable college. While working hard on the field, his local community is imploding with all of the racial injustice. He’s faced with the difficult decision of trying to figure out whether he should focus on himself and secure his future, or if he should do what he can to fight for what he really believes in and help protect his community. Is it possible for him to do both?
slimbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
msvenner's review against another edition
3.0
This is solid YA story looking at race in some parts of the US through the lens of football. The story lows well and tackles some tough subjects but is a bit too simplistic at points. It is clearly written for a US audience.
abookdoctor's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
girlreading's review against another edition
5.0
punchy, timely, powerful and self aware, this superbly written debut is a true 2021 standout. I’m incredibly excited to see what buford writes next.
TW: racism, racial profiling, police brutality, hate crime
TW: racism, racial profiling, police brutality, hate crime
melissapalmer404's review against another edition
5.0
Powerful timely realistic YA fiction that deals with racism, peer pressure, dysfunctional families and more heavy issues. It's a quick read and the football team element will make this a great read for reluctant male readers. Gabby is a strong, intelligent female character and the romance between her and the main character Rus will hook the teen girls. I recommend it.
linneaandspybat's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5