Stephen is a Brooklyn sixth grader who is becoming more
aware of the criminalization of Black boys his age. He coaxes Dan, his
“white-white” best friend, to develop
his own awareness. Then, when
Stephen is faced with the racist behaviors of Dan’s cousin and new
neighbor, Chad, Dan allies himself
with his friend. As this fast-paced novel unfolds, Stephen gets mixed
messages from his parents, his teachers, his friends, and his neighbors
about his own identity.
Rippling with emotional intelligence, What Lane? will
appeal to readers aged 10-12 and to ELA teachers, Advisory teachers, and book club leaders. Educators will appreciate how Maldonado makes
the English language feel fresh and malleable with his artistic use of
juxtapositions and doubling while writing for developing readers. What Lane? is an essential
addition to all libraries serving preteens, and urban libraries are
likely to want multiple copies. --Jessica Fenster-Sparber
Maldonado, Torrey. What Lane? New York: Nancy
Paulsen Books- Penguin Random House, 2020. Print.*
*The copy reviewed was an advance review
copy. The book is due out this Spring.
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