In this YA novel in verse from bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and
Mary Rand Hess (Solo), which Kirkus called "lively, moving, and
heartfelt" in a starred review, Noah and Walt just want to leave their
geek days behind and find "cool," but in the process discover a lot
about first loves, friendship, and embracing life . . . as well as why
Black Lives Matter is so important for all.
Best friends Noah and Walt are far from popular, but Walt is convinced
junior year is their year, and he has a plan that includes wooing the
girls of their dreams and becoming amazing athletes. Never mind he and
Noah failed to make their baseball team yet again, and Noah's crush
since third grade, Sam, has him firmly in the friend zone. While Walt
focuses on his program of jazz, podcasts, batting cages, and a "Hug
Life" mentality, Noah feels stuck in status quo ... until he stumbles on
a stash of old love letters. Each one contains words Noah's always
wanted to say to Sam, and he begins secretly creating artwork using the
lines that speak his heart. But when his art becomes public, Noah has a
decision to make: continue his life in the dugout and possibly lose the
girl forever, or take a swing and finally speak out.
At the same time, American flags are being left around town. While some
think it's a harmless prank and others see it as a form of protest, Noah
can't shake the feeling something bigger is happening to his community.
Especially after he witnesses events that hint divides and prejudices
run deeper than he realized.
As the personal and social tensions increase around them, Noah and Walt
must decide what is really important when it comes to love, friendship,
sacrifice, and fate.
Swing:
If you enjoy Swing, check out Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand
Hess.
