Written in verse, this novel follows a teenage girl navigating the dissolution of her closest friendship. Set against the backdrop of neighborhood basketball courts and poolside summers, the narrative tracks the protagonist as she realizes her best friend, Lay Li, has begun to treat her with coldness and disdain. Through sparse, rhythmic lines, the storyteller examines the specific pain of outgrowing a childhood bond, dealing with rumors, and finding self-worth outside of a toxic social dynamic while asserting her own identity on the court.
Readers interested in the intersection of poetry and young adult fiction will find a realistic portrayal of platonic heartbreak. It serves those looking for a localized, honest look at how Black girls negotiate space, respect, and loyalty within their communities. The reader walks away with a clear understanding of the difference between being needed and being valued, as well as the internal strength required to stand alone when a foundational relationship turns sour.
- Published
- 2021
- Language
- EN
