The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt storyand a rallying cry against book banning.

In an instant, Ossie Browns entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossiea Black teen who doesnt come from wealth and privilegemust navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors hes now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students viral anti-woke video puts the teachers job, the writing program, and even Ossies friends safety at riskand Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.