A review by kim_j_dare
When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

5.0

Ali hangs with his friend Noodles on the streets of Bed-Stuy, and with Noodles' older brother Needles, who is protected by everyone in the neighborhood because of his syndrome. The two brothers' nicknames were created by Ali's younger sister Jazz, and are hilarious stories in and of themselves. Fifteen years old, Ali stays out of trouble for the most part, largely because he is scared to death of the consequences of his mom discovering any shenanigans. But when he and Noodles and Needles wrangle an invitation to a Momo party--way out of their normal social stratosphere-- all bets are off, and Ali is suddenly thrust into a situation that could put his life at risk. This is a wonderful story from a new author whose voice is reminiscent of [a:Walter Dean Myers|13291|Walter Dean Myers|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1230178601p2/13291.jpg]. Ali's family and friends are fully drawn, and readers will feel a strong connection to this teen and his struggles and triumphs.