Play Book Tag discussion

I am rating this book as a YA book and that is how it should be evaluated. It is not a book targeted toward adult readers so to expect the level of sophistication about racism found in some adult books (eg Between the world and me, invisible man, etc) would be unfair.

The truth is, this is an important book and for a YA book it is sophisticated in its treatment of race, racism, and being a black teenager in America. But don’t get me wrong, it’s a tad dramatic at times, the language and voice are solidly in the realm of what you’d expect from teenagers, and several of the characters are presented as very black or white/all or nothing (no pun intended). These things can get irritating if you are an adult reader but are probably really effective at engaging teens and young adults.

Overall (despite my misgivings about the copious use of the term “bougie” 🙄), I thought the book was really well done and one which I think should be required reading in schools since it could promote interesting discussions of race, racism, and greater understanding of the anger and helplessness experiences by so many black Americans.

I get understand some of the critiques made by members in this group and think they are quite valid. I will say that you should go into this book expecting a YA book.

Jen wrote: "I am rating this book as a YA book and that is how it should be evaluated. It is not a book targeted toward adult readers so to expect the level of sophistication about racism found in some adult b..."

I'm definitely struggling a bit with some of the issues you mention. I love the voice, but it seems very simplistic, and I'm not excited to keep picking it up. So many people have said it shouldn't be classified as YA, but I think it definitely fits that category. Definitely think it could be the basis of some great discussions in schools as you suggest.

I totally agree with you that it should DEFINITELY be classified as YA and read with that expectation. As I’m not the intended audience I found it very hard to get excited about, but I can see its worth as a tool to promote discussion amongst young adults.