Kings of B'more

It is the end of sophomore year for best friends Harrison and Linus, two Black queer boys who live in Baltimore. Harrison is grateful that he will face the last two years of high school, and all the change that will come, with Linus by his side. Then Linus drops the news that he's moving to South Carolina in a few days, not by his own choice. Harrison is devastated but wants to give Linus a memorable send off. Inspired by the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and with the help of his friend Aparna, his high school's stage manager, he devises one last great day of fun for Linus. Of course, very little goes as planned.
The Kings of B'More is, at its heart, a joyful and triumphant story of friendship. It is a real and relatable story of two show more friends who don't want to say goodbye, and their relationships with their families, friends and community. The characters of Harrison and Linus are well-developed, and Thomas' writing is insightful, relevant and humorous. It is a beautiful and emotional story. It's refreshing to find a YA novel which focuses primarily on friendship rather than on romance. Thank you to BookishFirst for a copy to review. show less

Harrison engineers a Ferris Bueller's send-off when his best friend, Linus, quietly announces that his father is moving him to Charleston, far from their beloved Baltimore and the friendship they had enjoyed and new adventures they had planned.

Various odd complications result in Linus fleeing the African American Museum which was Harrison's high priority for him given his love of history. The script of the day flattens out, then picks up wildly when Harrison is mistaken for a Jamal and they proceed with Linus' funny friends and Harrison's protective sister, Corinne, to a swimming pool and on to a rip-roaring Pride Parade and the Gay Heaven Tea House Party!

This is far from their their happy meeting Cemetery high above Baltimore, yet show more their day ends with the promise to seek out a new cemetery together in Charleston.

Readers may wonder about the bonding conversations the two African American fathers have around their gay kids. As well, it would be welcome to know more about Corinne's personality and motivations.

Both young men discovered that getting so the future doesn't cause fear can be exhilarating and fun. They do rather go on too long with the deep meanings of their love and friendship.

The only "huh?" goes toward the weird white dude allowed to chase them around.
This added nothing to the plot, along with "smooches" and Parent apps. show less

I was so lucky to receive this book right around summer because it is the perfect summer read about friends and it's LGBTQ so put it on your list for June or any other month really

Adorable. Joy filled. Lovely.