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kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
How we will miss Walter Dean Myers.
I listened to this realistic contemporary fiction novel about two boys trying to find their best selves while growing up in Harlem. You can't help but fall in love with Darius, an aspiring writer who sometimes imagines himself as a bird of prey when the stress in his life gets too great, and Twig, an incredible runner who's caught between chances at scholarships and an uncle who wants him to go into the family business. Because it's Myers, the voice is spot-on.
For teens and even middle schoolers who can handle swearing.
I listened to this realistic contemporary fiction novel about two boys trying to find their best selves while growing up in Harlem. You can't help but fall in love with Darius, an aspiring writer who sometimes imagines himself as a bird of prey when the stress in his life gets too great, and Twig, an incredible runner who's caught between chances at scholarships and an uncle who wants him to go into the family business. Because it's Myers, the voice is spot-on.
For teens and even middle schoolers who can handle swearing.
jwinchell's review against another edition
3.0
If I was trying to help struggling teen readers understand critical race theory and to empower them to see and name and act on systemic injustice, I'd use *Darius & Twig.* This will be a go-to suggestion for students who I think are ripe for developing that critical consciousness and are working on becoming themselves without the garbage influences of those who aren't "comfortable being uncomfortable."
Accessible, straight-forward prose. Simple but rich characterization. Real issues.
Accessible, straight-forward prose. Simple but rich characterization. Real issues.
court_4825's review against another edition
3.0
I found this to be a very quick read, with short chapters so it was very easy to find places to stop. I really enjoy that Walter Dean Myers made these characters feel authentic. Often when I read YA realistic fiction, I find myself thinking, "Teenagers don't talk like that." This book felt like the true voice of a teen. I also enjoyed that the teens being from a poor city neighborhood wasn't their entire personality; it was just a part of their life and they had other conflicts as well. The transitions were a little abrupt at times, as was the "and everything was fine" ending, which is the main basis for my rating.
mstaino4's review against another edition
2.0
I know I'm probably not allowed to say this as a librarian but I'm just not a big Walter Dean Myers fan.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
4.0
It's difficult to read a book like Darius and Twig. I find it hard because I want to hope that things get better for the characters, but knowing it's realistic fiction and that life isn't always like a Disney ending makes it tough. Darius is writing a story in the book and is trying to decide if it is hopeful or a story of despair. That was the tension in this book too. Darius has his writing and imagination and Twig has his running and his smile, but are these things enough to balance out against the negatives hammering away at them?
This was another great story from Meyers. Not a big fan of the epilogue, but overall enjoyed this one.
This was another great story from Meyers. Not a big fan of the epilogue, but overall enjoyed this one.
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
Darius lives with his younger brother and his alcoholic mother. His drug addict father no longer lives with the family. In facing that kind of upbringing, Darius is trying to rise above. Even though his grades aren't great and he doesn't play a sport, Darius hopes that his writing will lead to a college scholarship. Darius's best friend, Twig, is also attempting to become more, through his running. Each wants to race to hold onto a chance to get out of the city. Though they must face coaches, teachers, family members, and local bullies who want to hinder their progress. This is a novel that speaks to growing up.
A typical book by Myers, reads the same as his others. The alter ego of a bird for Darius didn't fit for me. While it allowed the author to play with poetic language, it wasn't developed well enough to fit.
A typical book by Myers, reads the same as his others. The alter ego of a bird for Darius didn't fit for me. While it allowed the author to play with poetic language, it wasn't developed well enough to fit.
jeanwk's review against another edition
4.0
Very good book about trying to break through life's obstacles. Wished it were longer.
shanaetheflyest's review against another edition
4.0
I think Walter Dean Myers is a brilliant writer and I truly believe he has a wonderful way with language. Additionally, I think he writes great literature for young adults, particularly young Black men. I'm glad that he's getting the recognition he deserves.
I've read several of Myers' books and, while I enjoyed Darius & Twig, it just does not measure up. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Darius and Twig...I think Myers told a really great story about two young men living in an impoverished neighborhood dealing with issues that adult do not want to handle.
However, the conclusion/epilogue really spoiled the novel for me and I think more could have been done to wrap up the story. It is possible that Myers did not really need the epilogue...unfortunately, whether Darius and Twig make it to college or not is not necessary to glean the message behind the novel. This is why I've given it 4 stars, though it's more like a 3.5.
I've read several of Myers' books and, while I enjoyed Darius & Twig, it just does not measure up. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Darius and Twig...I think Myers told a really great story about two young men living in an impoverished neighborhood dealing with issues that adult do not want to handle.
However, the conclusion/epilogue really spoiled the novel for me and I think more could have been done to wrap up the story. It is possible that Myers did not really need the epilogue...unfortunately, whether Darius and Twig make it to college or not is not necessary to glean the message behind the novel. This is why I've given it 4 stars, though it's more like a 3.5.