In this impressive, highly dramatic prequel to Angie Thomas's much celebrated The Hate U Give, Black 17-year-old Maverick Carter must choose between gang life and domestic life when he becomes a father.
Maverick is the son of "Li'l Don" Adonis, the incarcerated leader of the King Lords gang. Despite his father's legacy, Mav operates at the gang's bottom ranks. He and best friend King also sell drugs behind the gang's back to make fast cash. Then Mav--who is in love with a young woman named Lisa--finds out that Iesha, who's in an on-again, off-again relationship with King, has just given birth to Mav's child. While trying to raise his son, Mav's relationships with King and Lisa begin to suffer: King rekindles his relationship with Iesha; Lisa, dealing with Mav's infidelity, realizes she is pregnant with his second child. When Mav is offered a part-time job at the supermarket, he begins to consider leaving the King Lords. His escape, however, is potentially thwarted when his cousin, a fellow King Lord, is killed by an unknown assailant. Will Mav follow street code and take revenge? Or will he become his own man and leave vengeance behind?
Thomas's skillfully constructed dialogue elevates the story, giving authenticity and individuality to each character. Fans of The Hate U Give should appreciate learning more about Garden Heights' history, culture and historical inhabitants, and hearing Mav's story from his own perspective will surely excite those with an appreciation for Starr Carter. The uninitiated are also welcome, as Thomas explores social themes and immerses her readers in gang hierarchies, jail visitation systems and postpartum depression. --Kharissa Kenner, children's librarian, Bank Street School for Children