Full disclosure: this is not usually my preferred area for reading but I was riveted by this story! The story felt so real and I rooted for Ali, Noodles, and Needles the whole time. I also loved that Reynolds challenged stereotypes at every turn.

Fresh voice, touching & funny, realistic story with a happy ending.

Gently illustrates the challenges of an urban, poor experience.

This is a powerful story about friendship and family, showing how they might not always be perfect but are still tremendously important in both good and bad times.

"Ali's Brooklyn neighbourhood has a reputation for drugs, guns, and violence, but Ali doesn't have time for any of that. On top of school and boxing, he's got to look out for his little sister Jazz, his best friend Noodles (who loves comic books and trouble), and Noodles' brother Needles (who knits as a way of coping with Tourette's syndrome). Though he's loyal to a fault, Ali finds himself questioning his friendships after a misunderstanding at an illicit party puts his life in danger. Fans of Coe Booth who are looking for more unflinching-yet-hopeful urban fiction should definitely pick up this authentic debut novel." Teen Scene March 2014 newsletter http://www.libraryaware.com/996/NewsletterIssues/ViewIssue/a2d2fecb-0036-4e36-bcd4-d3276847a40f?postId=2f01dac0-7358-4d12-879a-5d09c90eb51c