A contemporary young adult novel about one life-altering year of a biracial Black and white teen boy, showing a raw glimpse into the systemic inequality in racialized communities. Zay's ma always said his mouth would get him in trouble. Sure enough, it got him into his first and only fight in his junior year of high school. Expelled from his district, Zay's only hope for redemption is to transfer to Broadlawn Alternative School and complete the year. Zay isn't thrilled about the disgusting school lunch and classroom trailers at Broadlawn, and boarding with his aunt Mel and her live-in boyfriend isn't the greatest. But he'd rather be there than in the city dealing with his estranged father, his overbearing mother, and the fallout from his fight. Besides, Broadlawn has Feven, the beautiful new student Zay is starting to get to know-and fall for. Still, first love is rarely a fairy tale, and as Zay's time in Broadlawn comes to an end, he learns that shaping yourself within a new place is a lot harder than letting it shape you. A tender contemplation of first love, broken families, and healing generational trauma by an incredible voice in young adult fiction.

Make your own second chance . . .

About the Author
Hugh "H.D." Hunter is a storyteller, teaching artist, and community organizer from Atlanta. He's also the winner of several indie book awards for multicultural fiction. Hugh is committed to stories about Black kids and their many expansive worlds. He loves vegan snacks, basketball, and stories that make you cry-but make you smile afterward. Follow Hugh at @hd_tsd or check out his work at thesoutherndistrict.com.


Book Information
ISBN 9780374389987
Author H. D. Hunter
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
Publisher Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
Weight(grams) 408g
Dimensions(mm) 219mm * 146mm * 30mm