This is the prequel to The Hate U Give. Starr’s dad, only 17 years old at the time, is selling drugs to help out him and his mom. His cousin Dre is his best friend and always has his back. His girlfriend Lisa has got it all figured out. He’s trying to live up to his dad’s legacy and feels guilty about selling drugs, but as long as he has his support system, he’s okay. Until, his life is shaken up when he finds out that he is a father of a three month old baby. His support system is threatened, and suddenly, life in Garden Heights is more grueling, and definitely more confusing as he navigates fatherhood and gang politics.
I would definitely recommend this book! I loved The Hate U Give and Angie Thomas wrote something nearly as good. Maverick is a three dimensional character and such a sweet boy. I felt for him as he tries, admirably, to pull himself together for his son. This book talks about grief in an honest way, and encourages men to share their feelings! Thomas slips in conversations about mental health issues and racism-she addresses them in such a fluid way. The honesty of this book, while not too intense, brings life to Maverick and all the other characters. This book pulled at my heart strings and made me even more attached to the Carter family than I was before. I need a sequel to this prequel!
By Serena
