Amber McBride does it again in this poignant novel for middle-grade readers. Although this book will challenge some readers with its structure in verse, I truly believe that it will inspire and encourage young readers. I am a lifelong fan of the author and yet she continues to surprise me with the depths of her storytelling. This one, told from the perspective of a young boy during the Civil Rights Era is both historical and yet feels entirely contemporary. I enjoyed the author's note for the additional context.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this story.
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

I cried while reading this because I was really worried about Onyx and his mom and his plan to jump out of a window to see if his wings would work. Thankfully, everything turned out well in the end of Onyx, his mom, and the rest of his family. I loved how easily his cousins agreed to help Onyx on his mission to get part of a rock from the museum because that's really what family is, breaking into a museum to steal something because it's important to someone. The format it was written in was not what I expected (poems) but I welcomed it easily. Usually stories like this aren't my cup of tea but I think because it was a MG book that was talking about some pretty heavy topics in almost this light, airy manner, I was really able to digest it well. I will look for more stories from this author in the future.

Always a good book with Amber McBride, the format is my favorite. I really loved the way we get to know the character over time and how deep everything feels.

I first came across Amber McBride with the release of “We Are All So Good at Smiling” and loved it so much, I immediately had to find “Me (Moth)” and I now eagerly await every new release. “Onyx & Beyond” is the story of 12-year-old Onyx who is trying his best to regrow his wings after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr and burning in D.C., and then the death of his Gran, who lived with him and his mom. Since those events, Onyx’s mother has been losing her memories, and because Gran told Onyx he’d need to take care of his mama and was adamantly against institutionalization, Onyx has been carrying the secret of his mother’s dementia on his own. He’s convinced, though, if he can get his wings back and get a rock from the moon, he’ll be able to make everything right again.

This was a deeply emotional story, and I really loved Onyx and his journey and grief. I also love that we see his family and community around him, waiting for him to reach out to them for help, because they can all tell something is up even if he’s not sharing. I really liked the ending and how sweetly everything is wrapped up, like hope and possibility. This was a really good read, and had me going down many Wikipedia holes for more social context.

Touching middle grade novel in verse inspired by the author's own father and grandmother. As always, verse is on point with McBride and the narrative invites readers into Onyx' fears and struggles as his mother's dementia evolves. I dare you to read this without wanting to give Onyx the biggest hug ever.

Onyx is dealing with so much. Soon after driving through the city in the wake of MLK Jr.'s assassination, his grandmother who cares for him and his mother (who is dealing with early onset dementia) dies. This year he's determined to keep himself and his mother safe. And that means keeping under the radar at his private school, and finding ways to keep anyone else from finding out just how much his mama has deteriorated. Onyx decides he's going to build himself wings to get a magic moon rock to heal his mom. But the only way that can possibly happen is with the help of others. And that means dancing around why he needs their help to keep his mom safe.

A beautifully crafted novel-in-verse with a great wings and rocks image system. I appreciated the historical elements the author wrote so beautifully, and the tie to her own family history.

I love everything Amber McBride writes. She has a gift of writing about real world issues, but adding just a touch of magic.

Amber McBride is back and is gracing us with a very different book than her readers are used to, but do not fret, it is just as brilliant as her other work. Readers will connect. and/or empathize with Onyx’s drastic life changes and the pressure and responsibility he feels. This historical fiction novel-in-verse is so multi-layered and beautifully written.

Prepare to be swept away by Amber McBride's latest masterpiece, I certainly was. In this powerful middle-grade novel in verse set in the 1960s, McBride skillfully navigates themes of identity, family, and resilience.

Meet Onyx, a young Black boy facing the daunting challenges of his time. As his mother battles early-onset dementia, Onyx struggles to keep their family together, fearing the repercussions of intervention by Child Protective Services.

Against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, Onyx dreams of escaping to the stars as an astronaut, where he believes he can find refuge from the injustices of the world. But as he grapples with his own reality, Onyx learns that sometimes, courage comes from confronting the truth and seeking help for those we love.

Inspired by her father's experiences growing up in the 1960s, McBride's poignant storytelling shines a light on the resilience and strength of Black families in the face of adversity.

Filled with heart and hope, "Onyx & Beyond" is a must-read for readers of all ages, offering a poignant reminder of the power of love and perseverance in the midst of hardship. Pre-order it now for its October 1st release.