Courage
Author(s): Barbara Binns
For fans of Jason Reynolds and Kwame Alexander, a poignant and timely novel about race, class, and second chances.
Ever since T’Shawn’s dad died, his mother has been struggling to keep the family afloat. So when he’s offered a spot on a prestigious diving team at the local private swim club, he knows that joining would only add another bill to the pile.
But T studies hard and never gets into trouble, so he thinks his mom might be willing to bear the cost… until he finds out that his older brother, Lamont, is getting released early from prison.
Luckily, T’Shawn is given a scholarship, and he can put all his frustration into diving practices. But when criminal activity increases in the neighborhood and people begin to suspect Lamont, T’Shawn begins to worry that maybe his brother hasn’t left his criminal past behind after all. Can they put the broken pieces of their relationship back together?
Review(s):
“Absorbing and powerful tale. Reminiscent of Chris Crutchter’s Whale Talk. An auspicious debut and a compelling read that will prompt important discussions about police brutality, racism, and economic inequity.”
“Courage is exactly what the title advertises: the tale of a brave child navigating the rough waters of adolescence and family trauma despite the natural fears we all have. Dive into this touching story ASAP!”
“Anger, injustice, bullying, jealousy, and shame develop into trust, passion, and forgiveness within a family and a community in this fast-moving book. A mirror to urban black readers, a window to everyone else, Courage might even teach you something about diving.”
“A solid addition with a multifaceted look at the urban experience.”
“Binns’ first middle grade-novel uses its Chicago backdrop to thoughtfully showcase common but underexplored issues of family and community, with an ending that is hopeful and well deserved.”
“This novel successfully tackles the realities of homelessness, police intimidation and violence, and racism, and it ultimately demonstrates that forgiveness requires courage.”
“Sure to spark thought-provoking discussion among young readers.”
Bank Street Children’s Best Books of the Year
ISBN: 9780062561657