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A review by mlhahn
Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson
5.0
Jason Reynolds brought the world of track to middle grade novels, and now Varian Johnson has me wanting to play spades.
This book has so much packed in, but it never feels like too much. First, there's the amazing craft move with the narrator. (Not going to say any more about that...you'll see why.) Then there are plot lines that explore all the ways to be your own best young Black male self. Anthony has a flute-paying older brother and a trash-talking best friend. His father is battling addiction. The old guys at the corner store dispense the wisdom of elders. His friends give him grief about playing in the spades tournament with a girl, but Anthony appreciates her intelligence and ability. It's a fun book. Varian Johnson's best, imho.
Thank you, Scholastic, for the review copy.
This book has so much packed in, but it never feels like too much. First, there's the amazing craft move with the narrator. (Not going to say any more about that...you'll see why.) Then there are plot lines that explore all the ways to be your own best young Black male self. Anthony has a flute-paying older brother and a trash-talking best friend. His father is battling addiction. The old guys at the corner store dispense the wisdom of elders. His friends give him grief about playing in the spades tournament with a girl, but Anthony appreciates her intelligence and ability. It's a fun book. Varian Johnson's best, imho.
Thank you, Scholastic, for the review copy.