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mdevlin923's review
4.0
Stephen is a middle-schooler living in New York with his parents (his mom is white and his dad is black) and hanging out with his best friend, Dan. While his mom insists that Stephen is mixed, strangers see him as a black boy. He notices that he is being treated differently than Dan, especially by Dan's cousin, Chad. Over the course of a few weeks, Stephen experiences racism and learns about social justice and the Black Lives Matter movement. He also has to stand up to Chad (a relentless and racist bully) and ultimately learns that he alone has the choice to choose what's best for himself.
The difficult topic of racism was deftly handled...Maldonado didn't shy away from the issues at hand and introduced the topic in an appropriate way for tweens. The focus on friendship, support, open-mindedness, and standing up for yourself were incorporated very nicely. And it's always nice to see close friendships among boys.
The difficult topic of racism was deftly handled...Maldonado didn't shy away from the issues at hand and introduced the topic in an appropriate way for tweens. The focus on friendship, support, open-mindedness, and standing up for yourself were incorporated very nicely. And it's always nice to see close friendships among boys.
libwinnie's review
4.0
A powerful book with an important message. It is heavy-handed (justifiably) and took a while for me to get into, but it is a rewarding and insightful read.
arirose's review
5.0
I read this as a white adult, so I obviously can't review this from a POC perspective. What I can say is that I think more children of any race should read this book. It shows the reader what living as a young black boy is like, especially one who lives between both white and Black worlds. The unfairness and how scary it can be, but also the joy of being around your peers, being understood, and having your friends show they can be allies. The concept of choosing your own lane and what that means to you is also very inspiring, even from an adult's perspective.
z_brarian's review
4.0
This is a book every kid, no matter what race, color or creed, should read. Torrey nailed it on the head; middle schoolers are a lot more aware than adults think they are. That they can handle more serious issues than believed. Racism is not hidden. It’s right there, in plain sight. I really appreciated the way Torrey writes that it’s ok to ride in a lot of different lanes, but find your OWN lane; be true to yourself.
thenextgenlibrarian's review
4.0
Racism isn’t quiet. It isn’t pretty or hidden. It’s right in front of us, more for some than others. This book brings light to a serious issue that plagues our society to this day. Thank you Torrey for writing about it—giving it a face for our students to see. They are the future that can help change our world. #weneeddiversebooks
mrs_bookdragon's review
5.0
Thank you Torrey Maldonado and Nancy Paulsen Books for sharing What Lane? with the LitReviewCrew in exchange for an honest review!
This book is what my library, and many libraries and homes, need. Here are 3 things I loved:
1-Finding yourself
2-Racially divided world
3-Short, but deep read
I hope you read and enjoy!
This book is what my library, and many libraries and homes, need. Here are 3 things I loved:
1-Finding yourself
2-Racially divided world
3-Short, but deep read
I hope you read and enjoy!
angiedkelly's review
5.0
Loved this one! Great middle grade novel that would appeal to a wide array of readers. Not only does it deal with race issues but also the peer pressure that occurs within this age group. The characters are very relatable.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
zbrarian's review
4.0
This is a book every kid, no matter what race, color or creed, should read. Torrey nailed it on the head; middle schoolers are a lot more aware than adults think they are. That they can handle more serious issues than believed. Racism is not hidden. It’s right there, in plain sight. I really appreciated the way Torrey writes that it’s ok to ride in a lot of different lanes, but find your OWN lane; be true to yourself.
thenextgenlib's review
4.0
Racism isn’t quiet. It isn’t pretty or hidden. It’s right in front of us, more for some than others. This book brings light to a serious issue that plagues our society to this day. Thank you Torrey for writing about it—giving it a face for our students to see. They are the future that can help change our world. #weneeddiversebooks
mindfullibrarian's review
5.0
A very short and relatively simple middle grade story that is 100% a strong “message” book about race and growing up a black male in NYC. The sweet spot for this is 5th-7th grades.