I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
What Lane? by Torrey Maldonado
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books
Ages: Upper Elementary and Middle School
Release Date: 14 April 2020
Stephen, a mixed kid, begins to come to grips with the different rules he must live by in his world. After multiple encounters with adults passing judgement on him over his white best friend, he starts to question even more what lane is his.
This story is full of kids of different races and backgrounds and that is so important in today's culture. You have the quick-to-judge white people, the full-on racist, but you also see some allies in his young white friends-and it is nice to see the full spectrum presented.
Living in rural Kansas, it's easy for us adults to forget some of these things that happen. And it is even easier for our kids to not be aware of it at all. It is our job to give them windows into other worlds and this is definitely one of those.
My only drawbacks: I had a difficult time getting into the book, but once I did I could not put it down. Also the ending seemed really abrupt. I appreciate that Maldonado did not tie it all up with a bow, but left off with a glimmer of the possibility of hope.
You won't regret adding this one to your collection.
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