Mahogany L. Browne

A crushing and fierce novel with an ensemble cast that provides a window into how teens and young adults in New York experienced the pandemic. Some lost parents and were raised by older siblings or grandparents; some went into the foster system or Rikers Island; some worked at bodegas or as community nurses, keeping the fabric of the community strong.

Full cast audio, excellent production, at times hard to listen to (because of the emotional impact).

"I...wear my silver linings like show more jewelry..." (Esmeralda, 133) show less

4.5 Stars

CW: Bullying, sexual assault

Well that was a powerful YA verse novel about conflict within a friendship.

Mahogany's novel looks at the relatable story of how a once solid friendship breaks down. Jealousy, misunderstandings, and miscommunication are captured beautifully. I also appreciated how the author explored changing dynamics within relationships, and how personal growth alters the way someone connects with or relates to those around them. In this instance, as Sky becomes more show more sure of herself she is less comfortable having such a dominant friend. Lay Li expects Sky to conform to the standards she sets despite Sky not feeling these are a true reflection of who she is. I loved that Mahogany highlighted what equitable friendships look and feel like. Full disclosure, I had a few tear pricks of emotional pride at various points. Also, YES to another YA book with a skilled and ambitious sportswoman as the main character! Thoroughly engaging book about female empowerment. show less

“I’m not weak … I’m just tired of swinging” (59).

I’ve got a soft spot for books in verse recently. Chlorine Sky is vulnerable. I think this is definitely relatable for a lot of teens.

There’s no teaching moments or hold-your-hand passages. The obvious undercurrent of colorism and sexism doesn’t have to be explained, it’s just there. Sky has insecurities and her best friend no longer acts like one. Lay Li is what Sky visually wants to be and what she thinks boys her show more age/society will accept better. The narrative reads well, and it’s filled with AAVE done right.

4.5 stars

content warning: sexual harassment: boy kisses girl against her will and holds her firmly in place by her shirt show less

Agirl who is tired of being in the shadows decides to shine.

Skyy is used to hiding in the shadow of her best friend, Lay Li; shrinking away from her sister Essa’s harsh words; and turning invisible among her peers. The only place she stands out is on the basketball court going toe-to-toe with boys who think she shouldn’t be playing. While she and Lay Li are fighting and not speaking to each other, she reflects on the way her friend treated her, both during their friendship and afterward. show more Skyy garners the attention of Clifton, an attractive neighborhood boy, but his attention isn’t enough to help Skyy love herself. Through a process of self-discovery and by listening to the stories of girls around her, Skyy learns to stand in her truth and determine what she’s worth. Writing in free verse, Browne explores concepts that will resonate with readers navigating toxic friendships and budding relationships and growing into themselves. Her clear, descriptive word choices conjure vivid images and sharp feelings that pair well with the conversational flow, making the story accessible and appealing to reluctant readers. The decision to withhold Skyy’s name until the end of the text allows readers to find themselves in this story. Skyy and the majority of characters are cued as Black.

A coming-of-age novel for Black girls who have been told they’re too much and yet never enough. (Verse novel. 13-18)

-Kirkus Review show less