February marks Black History Month, so this issue’s recommendations will center on books that commemorate the impact and importance of Black authors and experiences.
“There Goes the Neighborhood” by Marlborough alum Jade Adia.
“There Goes the Neighborhood” follows teen protagonist Rhea and her friends, Zeke and Malachi, as they attempt to save their South L.A. neighborhood from the
gentrification that threatens to tear Zeke away from them. This book has its dark moments and focuses on how to combat injustice and if you can fight fear with
more fear. But it was also fiercely funny and incredibly contemporary. This story is all about the interconnectedness of capitalism, white supremacism and pa-
triarchy. But despite the challenges presented to them, the characters truly care about their neighborhood, and Adia helps the reader understand why. She builds a vibrant, beautiful and thriving community of people determined to help one another.
“The Gridiron Gang: 7-on-7 Season.”
This is Crayton’s self-published debut novel of the up-and-coming series “The Gridiron Gang.” This book is a cute, middle-grade story perfect for any age following a group of high school boys and their quest to reclaim their football champion title. Quandre and his friends Damien and Jarkwon are the perfectly hilarious, playfully young main characters to be expected in any middle-grade story. Following their journey with a new teammate, Catholic Church services and even a boat ride, you can’t help rooting for them and turning the page, wondering what they’ll get up to next. The story is chaotic and heartwarming at the same time, and no matter whether you’re a die-hard foot- ball fan or have never seen a game, this story will keep you hooked until the end.
“Ace of Spades” by Faridah Àbíké- Ímídé is another debut book, but much more mature than Crayton’s. Niveus Private Academy incoming high school seniors Devon and Chiamaka are polar opposites. Most people have never even heard Devon’s name before–and he’s fine with that, so long as he can work on his music during his free periods and (hopefully) get a scholarship to Julliard. Chiamaka is steadily on her way to becoming a doctor, and all she needs is to finish her senior year on top. But the beginning of their senior year doesn’t quite go as planned. On the first day of school, an anonymous person known only as “Aces” sends texts to the entire school, revealing personal, threatening information about Chiamaka and Devon. The two are forced to join forces to figure out who Aces is and how to stop them before things get dangerous. This book was a rollercoaster to read, and each twist is guaranteed to leave you sobbing in horror. No character in this book is trustworthy. And at times, that includes the protagonists. Despite my overall promotion of this book, I do need to provide a fair content warning. “Ace of Spades” doesn’t pull its punches. It unabashedly covers a range of topics, touching on descriptions of death and violence, racism, scientific racism, misogyny, violent homophobia and medical malpractice. As Àbíké-Ímyídé writes in her Author’s Note at the beginning of the book, “I want people to read this book and see that anti-Blackness is in fact a global issue: one that can’t be diminished or pinned on one country or group.”
