Justin

June 27, 2016
One of two books kicking off the Blacktop series, written at a fourth-grade reading level, Alonge’s first novel taps into the conflicted voice and emotions of 15-year-old Justin Shaw, a talented African-American basketball player trying to find his way. After accidentally burning down a local corner store in a misguided attempt to impress some guys in his Bushrod Park neighborhood of Oakland, Calif., Justin tries to assemble a ragtag basketball team to play against a tough team from nearby Ghosttown (“They show up to your neighborhood like Vikings—ready to conquer, pillage, and plunder”). It’s a coming-of-age story with hard edges and heart, and Justin’s strained relationship with his estranged, alcoholic father is especially well-handled. Another player on Justin’s team stars in Janae, available simultaneously. Ages 12–up.

April 1, 2016

Gr 8 Up-Justin is having a tough summer in his gritty Oakland neighborhood. In order to distance himself from his alcoholic father and his boring stepfather, he has a list of goals for himself but is torn between his love of video games and literature and his desire to fit in with the other teens in his neighborhood. When Justin's attempt to earn points with the local gang by vandalizing a store ends poorly, his friend Frank decides that the two can prove themselves by defending the neighborhood basketball court against the rival Ghosttown players. They find enough misfit members to make a team, and Justin discovers that even though he hasn't achieved his goals, he has made progress toward them. This is a quick read with uncomplicated prose, and the basketball descriptions, as well as the theme of identity, will resonate with readers who are interested in urban fiction. Justin isn't caught for setting the store on fire, and he doesn't experience any guilt over destroying his friend's livelihood, which is disturbing, and the anachronistic use of the term Negro is confusing. VERDICT While the short length and cover illustration make this seem appropriate for a younger audience, the situations and coarse language make this a better purchase for high school libraries with struggling or reluctant readers.-Karen Yingling, Blendon Middle School, Westerville, OH

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