Book Review: Tyrell

Tyrell by Coe Booth

SUMMARY: Now that his father is in jail, nothing seems to be going right for 15-year-old Tyrell. His mother's refusal to work and her stint with welfare fraud have forced them into homelessness and life in a roach-infested shelter in Hunts Point. At the shelter, Tyrell soon realizes that his attraction to another resident, Jasmine, could derail his dreams of a future with his girl, Novisha. Torn between the needs of the women in his life and his seven-year-old brother, Tyrell is determined to stay clean as he agonizes over creating a new life for his family. This is a thrilling, fast-paced novel whose strong plot and array of vivid, well-developed characters take readers on an unforgettable journey through the gritty streets of New York City's South Bronx. At its heart is the painful choice the teen must make as he realizes the effect of his mother's failure to do right by their family. (from the School Library Journal review)

OPINION: This edgy teen book is written by a woman who knows what she's talking about. Coe Booth grew up in the Bronx, then returned there to work with families and teens in crisis. She isn't just making up the situations in this book, and it is obvious. This book does not glorify street life, offer any easy answers, or make excuses for people's choices. Tyrell is not a parody or stereotype of the ghetto. He has stopped going to school, but tries to make sure his younger brother is successful in the classroom. He stands by his girl, Novisha, even in the face of massive temptation from Jasmine. When Tyrell has to decide how far he is willing to go to make his family some money, he determines his morality by thinking about where he doesn't want to go in life...jail. The whole time I was reading, I was on the edge of my seat, wanting to see Tyrell succeed but being afraid that he wouldn't. Definitely read this book. Look for Coe Booth's next book, Kendra, in 2008.

AUTHOR INFO: http://www.coebooth.com/