Description
Book SynopsisIn this powerful and fast-paced YA contemporary debut, a Black teen from Brooklyn struggles to fit in at his almost entirely-white Manhattan prep school, resulting in a fight and a plan for vengeance.This is not how seventeen-year-old Gil imagined beginning his senior year—on the subway dressed in a tie and khakis headed towards Manhattan instead of his old public school in Brooklyn. Augustin Prep may only be a borough away, but the exclusive private school feels like it''s a different world entirely compared to Gil''s predominately Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn.
If it weren''t for the partial scholarship, the school''s robotic program and the chance for a better future, Gil wouldn''t have even considered going. Then after a racist run-in with the school''s golden boy on the first day ends in a fight that leaves
only Gil suspended, Gil understands the truth about his new school—Augustin may pay lip service to diversity, but that isn’t
Trade ReviewPraise for True True:
Black Caucus American Library Association Best of the Best 2023 Pick!
★ “In this compassionate debut,
a love letter to Brooklyn and Caribbean culture, Hooper paints an
organic portrait of a Black teenager who feels caught between two different worlds. Gil’s determination to lift up his peers often results in him disregarding his own needs and wants; through his
earnest first-person POV and natural-feeling prose, Hooper presents
valuable lessons on the
healing power of community, forgiveness, and sharing one’s truth.” —
Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
"Hooper
unflinchingly shows Gil’s torment at the hands of hostile peers and ignorant school officials. However, the author is similarly unafraid to highlight how Gil’s
single-minded quest for justice…Featuring a
rich and layered rendering of New York City
few other YA books can match, this debut novel is
ideal reading for politically minded young readers."—
Booklist Online“Immersive and captivating,
True True is an unflinchingly honest letter to culture, social injustices, community, and the limitless power of one’s voice. A riveting page-turner! Do yourself a favor—read this book!” —
Julian Winters, bestselling and award-winning author of
Right Where I Left You
