Swing

In this YA novel in verse from bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess (Solo), which Kirkus called “lively, moving, and heartfelt” in a starred review, Noah and Walt just want to leave their geek days behind and find “cool,” but in the process discover a lot about first loves, friendship, and embracing life … as well as why Black Lives Matter is so important for all.

In Swing, bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess (Solo) present a free-verse poetic novel that will encourage anyone who’s struggled to find their voice to embrace risks and take a swing at life. Readers of all ages and backgrounds will find something to appreciate in this engaging storyline, packaged in an embossed and spot-glossed cover.

Things usually do not go as planned for seventeen-year-old Noah. He and his best friend Walt have just been cut from the high school baseball team for the third year in a row, and it looks like Noah’s love interest since fifth grade, Samantha, will never take it past the “best friend” zone. But Walt has big plans for them both, which include making a baseball comeback, getting the girl, and finally becoming cool. As always, Noah is reluctant, but decides to take a risk after discovering a trove of old love letters and an appreciation of jazz music after a stop at the thrift store—letters and a groove that inspire him to send a few love notes of his own. But just as he and Walt’s plans appear to be working, the letters set of a chain of events that upends everything Noah thought he knew about love, friendship, sacrifice, and fate.

Source: Publisher (8th-10th grade)