Reviews

Swing by Mary Rand Hess, Kwame Alexander

listen_learn's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.0

That was one of the worst endings I have ever read. 

Stupid political agenda. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one was because the poetry was top notch throughout.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Police brutality, and Murder

Minor: Racism

anneliese_books's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I am devastated.  Obviously there was some undertones of the theme throughout, but the ending was still unexpected.

ralphiereads76's review against another edition

5.0

I picked this up as a quick read and it just nestled itself into my heart. I love the representation of guy best friends and how close these teens are to each other- challenging one another, supporting, loving. I feel like I see a lot of girl friendships like this in YA lit, but not guys. It's a perfect depiction of all the feels in the roller coaster of high school love (both guys have love interests) and the story lulls you into thinking that's the main arch... then it's not. Just like real life. The interweaving of jazz music references made me learn a few things, too.

This will be my first book talk of the new school year, hands down.

sparklethenpop's review against another edition

5.0

4 stars for the book + 1 for the audio.

anxiouslybooked's review against another edition

4.0

I really liked this book! I really love reading Kwame Alexander’s books. This book is SO powerful!

emilycrossett's review against another edition

challenging funny lighthearted sad fast-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

3.5

Is poetry the perfect form for YA? Seems perfect for Noah and Walt and Sam on their journey of self discovery, love, friendship, jazz, baseball, art, and poetry all against the backdrop of policing in America. 

librarianboy's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bertramal's review against another edition

4.0

I love a book that is more than it seems at first. 80% of the way through this book, I would not have given it 4 stars, but the last 10 or so pages won me over and, like the best books, brought everything together in the best ways. It also crushed me, but in a good way. I loved the artwork throughout, and also the references to poems and lyrics from a variety of musical genres (not the ones you see up front, the hidden ones that made the most delicious surprises throughout the text).

annieltaylor31's review against another edition

5.0

Reminds me of Elijah McClain's story. A kid in the middle of his life. Finding meaning, coming of age. Inspiring others. Cut short, way too soon for no good reason. A compelling read.

hollydaze71's review against another edition

4.0

As you read, please have your Spotify account open and ready.
Hit up the artists as you ready.

The ending shook me.
So I need to know what happens next with Noah.