The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-timeNew York Timesbest-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt storyand a rallying cry against book banning.

In an instant, Ossie Browns entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossiea Black teen who doesnt come from wealth and privilegemust navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors hes now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students viral anti-woke video puts the teachers job, the writing program, and even Ossies friends safety at riskand Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.

Frederick Josephis an author, activist, philanthropist, and marketing professional. Two of his nonfiction titles,The Black FriendandPatriarchy Blues, were instantNew York Timesbestsellers. He is the coauthor, with Porsche Joseph, ofBetter Than We Found Itand the author of the picture bookBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith. A recipient of both the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award and the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award, Frederick Joseph was named to the 2019Forbes30 Under 30 list and was selected for the 2018 Root 100, an annual list of the most influential African Americans. He lives in New York City with his wife, Porsche, and their dog, Stokely.

• Publisher: Candlewick
  
• Publish Date: May 6, 2025
  
• Pages: 384
  
• Language: English
  
• Type: Hardcover
  
• EAN/UPC: 9781536233469
  
• Dimensions: 8.3 X 5.5 X 0.0 inches | 1.3 pounds
  
• BISAC Categories: Teens & YA, Popular Fiction