An instant New York Times bestseller!
The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story—and a rallying cry against book banning.
In an instant, Ossie Brown’s 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, Ossie—a Black teen who doesn’t come from wealth and privilege—must 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 he’s 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 teacher’s job, the writing program, and even Ossie’s friends’ safety at risk—and 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.
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story—and a rallying cry against book banning.
In an instant, Ossie Brown’s 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, Ossie—a Black teen who doesn’t come from wealth and privilege—must 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 he’s 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 teacher’s job, the writing program, and even Ossie’s friends’ safety at risk—and 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.
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Praise for this book
"Once again, regardless of genre, Frederick Joseph puts his heart, soul, passion, and unapologetic voice into every paragraph, sentence, and syllable. This rich tale of self-discovery, self-worth, and resilience will land protagonist Ossie Brown in the pantheon of legendary young adult characters that will live forever." - Derrick Barnes
"With a cast of naturally diverse characters you will root for, This Thing of Ours beautifully explores the awkward, anxiety-inducing, beautiful reality of growing up. All while reminding us that nothing is worth doing alone - not sports, not grief, not standing up and fighting for your people, and, most importantly, not life. This Thing of Ours is a must-read!" - Keah Brown
"A triumphant exaltation of the redemptive power of family, friendship, and community, This Thing of Ours is a fast-paced, emotionally rich attestation to the fight for the dignity and humanity of all Americans. It should be celebrated in classrooms across this country. With an ear for lyrical beauty as much as an eye for social critique, Joseph reminds us why caring about the truth matters and that the time to stand up for it is now." - Brendan Kiely
"With a cast of naturally diverse characters you will root for, This Thing of Ours beautifully explores the awkward, anxiety-inducing, beautiful reality of growing up. All while reminding us that nothing is worth doing alone - not sports, not grief, not standing up and fighting for your people, and, most importantly, not life. This Thing of Ours is a must-read!" - Keah Brown
"A triumphant exaltation of the redemptive power of family, friendship, and community, This Thing of Ours is a fast-paced, emotionally rich attestation to the fight for the dignity and humanity of all Americans. It should be celebrated in classrooms across this country. With an ear for lyrical beauty as much as an eye for social critique, Joseph reminds us why caring about the truth matters and that the time to stand up for it is now." - Brendan Kiely
Visitors also looked at these books
Used availability for Frederick Joseph's This Thing of Ours