A Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Young Adult Literature Finalist
Two starred reviews!
A Golden Kite Award Finalist for Young Adult Fiction
An artful and introspective (BCCB, starred review) novel in verse celebration of neurodiversity wrapped in bars so tight they could stop traffic (Shelf Awareness) about a Black teen with ADHD who finds self-expression and first love during one epic summer school season.
For the third summer in a row, Pernell is back in the classroom, facing the same struggles that have always made school seem more like a battlefield than a place of learning. This summer is different, though: hes battling to become the Cypher King, leader of the lunchrooms impromptu rap circles. Here, the rhythm flows and the words fly, creating a space where the wittiest and most rhythmically inclined reign supreme. Here, Pernells ADHD gives him an edge.
But life outside the cypher isnt as forgiving. Pernells English teacher has it out for him. His parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his lack of focus. And Electra, his friend-slash-crush and the only one who truly gets him, is too busy chasing her dream internship to give him the time of day.
If Pernell doesnt pull himself together, he wont just lose the title of Cypher Kinghell lose his chance to graduate high school. In a world where the systems are turned against kids like him, Pernell needs to find a way to succeed with his ADHD, rather than in spite of it.
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