I’m not normally one for novels written in verse but I’m glad I tried this one. I really enjoyed the story and I enjoyed getting to see another side to the Black experience. I say that as someone who has not experienced it personally, and while the topics mentioned make me sad at the state this country has always been in, it gives me another piece to try to understand a life I have never lived.

I enjoyed watching Mason get to see how important the topic is, though I hated seeing the situation that got him there. I enjoyed Ms. Jordan, and while I did think it was odd to see her teach a class that is distinctly labeled Black Poetry, I really liked seeing her make an effort to give Black voices a space to express themselves without judgement or condemnation.

All of the side characters felt fleshed out enough to get the point across, in a written style that doesn’t lend itself to more detailed explorations that standard novel style books do. I liked seeing all the differences in opinion, and how they challenged each other during every class.

This story definitely opened me up to thoughts and conversations I hadn’t previously had, and I would definitely be interested in more by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in an exchange for a honest review.

Wow, what a beautifully written and right on time piece of art. I hope to see this book in the hands of young people. I dont read poetry books often but I can not wait to add this to my collection. Wow. This author did a great job capturing the many emotions that Black folks are feeling during a time where there is some much racial tension in all walks of life. Hope this book reaches who it needs to.

A wonderfully original novel about Black Lives Matter and racism in America and how one student’s life is directly affected by police brutality. The story is without a doubt important and would be a fantastic addition to secondary school reading lists. Its poetic style was refreshing and I was blown away by the hard facts of racism in this day and age.
Although the story starts (& ends) with Mason, I felt that he was lost in the middle part of the book, and that, for me, was a shame. At times the styling of the prose is difficult to keep up with, but the message is powerful and needs to be heard.

This isn’t always an easy read as it covers real life experiences and holds up a mirror but it is a good read and for me a hopeful read. I particularly enjoyed the second half of the book - once the characters are known - which flies by with a real pace and rhythm.

Thank you to Central Avenue and NetGalley for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book releases on May 28,2024. I think verse was a great way to convey this message and to get across what this character represents/stands for. I greatly enjoyed reading this unique perspective on BLM, police violence, racial disparity, the current day effects of slavery, among other essential topics. This book is as timely as ever and is one that should be added to "must read" lists for everyone. I did notice the formatting of some of the novel was off on my kindle which did skew the reading experience a bit and make it confusing at times, though this is something that could be resolved when the book is fully released.

Loved the writing style. Extremely relevant and heart breaking, but you'll be extremely glad that you read this. It'll be something that'll stick with me for a long time ❤️

Thank you netgalley

This book was so worth the read it's wrote as if your reading a book of poems. But it's such a strong and relatable book the characters make resonate with them as well as this book sending out such a powerful and heart wrenching message. It was beautifully written it had me crying in a good way.

Excellent novel-in-verse about Mason taking a poetry class in school and giving him a voice about social justice. Mason loves rap music and when the teacher says we will write a poem about current issues, students learn poetic devices. The teacher tells the class you have the “power of choice in writing.” When the class might be canceled due to a complaint, parents and students go to a board meeting and the class is back. Mason’s teacher says you’ve made me better, and Mason realizes by using his voice and rap lyrics we “broke through barriers” and that was our legacy we left behind.

This is a powerful look at racial issues in America through free verse. With opposing views and debates in a black poetry class, this book shows the importance of voice and standing up for injustice. The rhythms and rhymes gave a fresh addition to YA free verse novels.

I read If You Knew My Name by Lisa Roberts Carter and Whitney Mitchell and I was really impressed by it. It is a powerful and realistic story about a young Black rapper who witnesses his best friend's murder by the police and becomes a target of a corrupt system. The book explores the issues of racism, injustice, and violence in America through the perspective of a Black teenager.

The protagonist, Tyrell Jones, is a sympathetic and relatable character. He loves rap music and dreams of becoming a famous rapper. He has a supportive family and a loyal best friend, Jamal. He is also brave and determined to expose the truth and seek justice for his friend. He uses his rap skills to create a song called "If You Knew My Name", which goes viral and sparks a nationwide movement. He also faces many challenges and dangers from the police, who try to cover up the shooting and frame him for a crime he didn't commit. He has to fight for his life and his freedom, while also coping with his grief and trauma. He finds allies in his family, his girlfriend, and a lawyer who believes in his innocence. He also discovers the power of his voice and his music to inspire change and hope.

The book is well-written and engaging. The plot is fast-paced and suspenseful. The dialogue is authentic and witty. The rap lyrics are creative and catchy. The setting of Chicago is vivid and realistic. The themes of the book are relevant and important. The book also shows the diversity and complexity of the Black community and culture. The book does not shy away from the harsh realities and emotions of the situation, but also offers hope and optimism for the future.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes rap music, social justice, and realistic fiction. It is a book that will make you think, feel, and act. It is a book that will make you know Tyrell's name and his story.

Thank you to netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for allowing me to read this book. This was so powerful and emotional.

I loved how most of this book was filled with amazing beats and rhymes!

Notable lines (or rhymes):

“‘Rap is poetry about the ups and downs,’” she says. “‘The highs and lows / the woes / of life.’”

“It is MY HISTORY. / It is mine to embrace and not yours to erase.”

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC!

This was a very quickread as it was written in mostly poetry form and i loved the rhymes that alot of this novel had in it the message behind this novel was very powerful and had so many history elements and shows the history in the united states from so long ago to situations still happening and showing how we still need change. This novel follows mason who was a great lead who joins a black poetry class with other people who share stories about family members etc and themselves but also having people who joined the class to mock them and counteract opposite opinions causing tensions in the class and i loved that all of the other people didnt stand for it at all and didnt let them mess with the poetry they shared and the powerful messages. A situation with a cop happens regarding police brutality and masons mother tells mason that he needs to use his story and voice to bring awareness just reading about masons story and seeing how brave he is was amazing to read. Loved the friendships in this novel as well and the support mason had from his teacher and peers. An important read.

Thank you netgalley for this ARC!

WOW what a powerful read! I absolutely loved Mason's character, and he certainly tugged a little extra on my teacher heart heartstrings. This is a fast-paced, enjoyable read that brings up a lot of serious topics that happen in our country on a daily basis - something important for all ages to read. Despite being an adult in my 30s reading this, I think the world would be a much more tolerant place if more ages read YA novels like this. This one will definitely find a place in my classroom library upon release - thanks for the ARC!