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danapr's review
4.0
Gil is a senior in high school when he transfers to a private prep school for their robotics program. As a young black man of Jamaican descent, he struggles with stress that most kids his age will never experience. Since his father’s deportation, he must help his mother and grandmother, keep up with his martial arts training, mentor younger students and maintain both old and new friendships while dealing with racism in the world of the privileged white.
This YA book is well written and will speak to high school aged readers of all races and backgrounds. The subtleties of everyday white privilege and discrimination are well addressed and the unusual pressures that Gil deals with are eye-opening. I appreciated that the author didn’t make the ending overly “happy ever after” but there was some resolution. I did feel like the blame that Gil endured from pretty much everyone in his life was somewhat exaggerated although I think the author’s goal was to demonstrate his unusual stress.
#BookishFirst #PenguinRandomHouse
This YA book is well written and will speak to high school aged readers of all races and backgrounds. The subtleties of everyday white privilege and discrimination are well addressed and the unusual pressures that Gil deals with are eye-opening. I appreciated that the author didn’t make the ending overly “happy ever after” but there was some resolution. I did feel like the blame that Gil endured from pretty much everyone in his life was somewhat exaggerated although I think the author’s goal was to demonstrate his unusual stress.
#BookishFirst #PenguinRandomHouse
markboynz's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
so_intoreading's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
sharifas's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elyssathelibrarian's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
sharpiemyshoe's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
souvalli's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
fatgirlreads's review
challenging
emotional
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
3.5
If this book does nothing else, it's going to piss you off. Hooper brings readers a story of unapologetic student activism. A raw portrait of what it looks like when you carve space out for yourself in a world that doesn't make room for you. I enjoyed the authenticity of this story, appreciating the inclusion of Caribbean dialect and culture. This story touches on many vital issues, including systemic racism, immigration, educational resource scarcity, and academic violence. It also emphasizes the pressure and responsibility black boys take on at such a young age; having to grow up quickly and fight in a constant internal battle of not wanting to be seen as a failure or disappointment to their family. I loved the hilarious character banter throughout this story, as it was so organic. While I enjoyed this read, it was missing something for me. It took longer than I wanted to get into the story; however, once it did pick up, it kept my interest until the end. Additionally, while including Caribbean culture and language brought authenticity, I would've loved to have a glossary while reading to assist with some of the terminology. Overall, this was an enjoyable debut. If you're from Brooklyn, this story will feel like home.
bookdragon217's review
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"Wars are either fought in secret or they're right in your face."
True True by Don Hooper was a gut pinching read for me because it shines a spotlight on how the education system is stacked against Black students, the Double burden of being a Black immigrant and how the idea of achieving the American Dream through hard work and education comes with a daily dose of violence, racism and microaggressions if youre a Black student. I was triggered by so many of the things that happened to Gil in this book because they were some of my same experiences, which soured me on the idea of attending college when I was a teenager.
I am, however, grateful that this book exists because it gives voice to the plight of Black American students and those of immigrant parents. Hooper's writing is raw, emotional and honest and it makes this one a book I will forever recommend because of it's importance to Black educational experiences. Thanks to @penguinteen @cocoachapters for the opportunity to share my 10 thoughts on this one.
🇯🇲 Privilege is not only a birthright but a way of life that is taught and modeled by white supremacist parents.
🇯🇲 Black students of immigrant parents carry a heavy burden to make their parents' dreams come true, as opposed to being able to have their own dreams.
🇯🇲 Black students are never safe in all white spaces and face daily racism.
🇯🇲 White women often name themselves as allies without actually doing the work of decolonization and continue to cross boundaries.
🇯🇲 Black people are never centered in diversity & inclusion efforts. HBCU tours are not offered.
🇯🇲 Black students' intelligence and achievements are always attributed to affirmative action.
🇯🇲 Black people's work, especially in STEM is often stolen and never credited.
🇯🇲 White supremacists will never give up any power and have no problem flexing their money and influence to ensure their children stay on top.
🇯🇲 Black students have the extra burden of not only representing themselves but their entire race, community, neighborhood, gender, etc.
🇯🇲 In order to achieve true equity in education, Black people need to be in positions of power and have decision making ability.
True True by Don Hooper was a gut pinching read for me because it shines a spotlight on how the education system is stacked against Black students, the Double burden of being a Black immigrant and how the idea of achieving the American Dream through hard work and education comes with a daily dose of violence, racism and microaggressions if youre a Black student. I was triggered by so many of the things that happened to Gil in this book because they were some of my same experiences, which soured me on the idea of attending college when I was a teenager.
I am, however, grateful that this book exists because it gives voice to the plight of Black American students and those of immigrant parents. Hooper's writing is raw, emotional and honest and it makes this one a book I will forever recommend because of it's importance to Black educational experiences. Thanks to @penguinteen @cocoachapters for the opportunity to share my 10 thoughts on this one.
🇯🇲 Privilege is not only a birthright but a way of life that is taught and modeled by white supremacist parents.
🇯🇲 Black students of immigrant parents carry a heavy burden to make their parents' dreams come true, as opposed to being able to have their own dreams.
🇯🇲 Black students are never safe in all white spaces and face daily racism.
🇯🇲 White women often name themselves as allies without actually doing the work of decolonization and continue to cross boundaries.
🇯🇲 Black people are never centered in diversity & inclusion efforts. HBCU tours are not offered.
🇯🇲 Black students' intelligence and achievements are always attributed to affirmative action.
🇯🇲 Black people's work, especially in STEM is often stolen and never credited.
🇯🇲 White supremacists will never give up any power and have no problem flexing their money and influence to ensure their children stay on top.
🇯🇲 Black students have the extra burden of not only representing themselves but their entire race, community, neighborhood, gender, etc.
🇯🇲 In order to achieve true equity in education, Black people need to be in positions of power and have decision making ability.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Racial slurs