A review by lovelymisanthrope
Tyler Johnson Was Here by Jay Coles

challenging dark emotional informative sad tense 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

4.5

This was a very moving book that both broke my heart and made me enraged. This story follows a young, black boy in high school who is struggling with a father in prison, trying to just survive being black, and the murder of his twin brother. This book was ambitious with all of the heavy topics it sought out to tackle, but it did so perfectly. Although this book is a work of fiction, it is heavily rooted in the world we live in, and I believe everyone could gain some perspective reading this. The writing was captivating, but very approachable, which makes it perfect for the YA audience! 
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