Rating: 8/10
Eb & Flow is a Middle Grade novel in verse that follows two middle school kids, Ebony (Eb) and Da'Kari (nicknamed Flow), during their 10-day suspension from school after they get into a fight with each other. During the 10-day suspension, we see two kids from a rough school and difficult lives who are frequently told that they are bad kids even though it's more complicated than that. I could definitely tell that the has a background working with kids in a teacher setting and she brings that knowledge of how kids in difficult situations can bring attitudes and sometimes lash out in violence as a defense mechanism. This novel explores that while also making sure that the kids learn that that isn't the correct way to handle situations.

I love novels in verse, but I'm picky about them since sometimes the topic or writing isn't right for verse. This book is a perfect example of a book that should be in verse and benefits from it. It does a really good job with nuance and metaphor. There are a lot of heavy topics that are sneakily woven into the story that let the story be complex without being outright graphic. The words "drugs" and "gangs" etc are never outright mentioned but subtly implied in the lyrical writing.

I read this book in one sitting and think it's a great book for the age category. A lot of kids will be able to see themselves in it.

Thanks to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Have loved all of Kelly’s book and this novel in verse did not disappoint. Told from two perspectives, we find Eb (Ebony) and Flow (De’Kari) suspended for ten days. As their ten days go by, we find their suspensions don’t define who they are. Both of them live in single parent homes, have financial struggles, and all kinds of sibling dynamics happening. At the end, they have to spend the tenth day in ISS in school with a teacher. Can they move on after what has happened between them?