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When I Was the Greatest

Winner - Indie Book Award
By Jason Reynolds
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Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 7,416 ratings, 1,151 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds is a compelling coming-of-age story set in a Brooklyn neighbourhood. It follows Ali, a teenager, as he navigates friendships and family dynamics while trying to stay out of trouble. The story beautifully illustrates themes of community, loyalty, and resilience against the backdrop of urban challenges.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in a compelling story about friendship, resilience, and personal growth set in a vibrant urban environment. With its relatable characters and realistic portrayal of everyday challenges, it offers an engaging narrative that resonates with both young adults and older readers alike.

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When I Was the Greatest

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds, a coming-of-age novel about friendship and loyalty across neighbourhood lines and the hardship of life for an urban teen - illustrated for the first time by award-winning illustrator, Akhran Girmay.

From the Carnegie and UKLA winning author, a coming-of-age novel about friendship and loyalty across neighbourhood lines - illustrated by award-winner, Akhran Girmay.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A lot of the stuff that gives my neighbourhood a bad name, I don't really mess with. The guns and drugs and all that, not really my thing.

Nah, not his thing. Ali's got enough going on, between school and boxing and helping out at home. His best friend Noodles, though. Now there's a dude looking for trouble - and, somehow, it's always Ali around to pick up the pieces. But, hey, a guy's gotta look out for his boys, right? Besides, it's all small potatoes; it's not like anyone's getting hurt. And then there's Needles. Needles is Noodles's brother. He's got a syndrome, and gets these ticks and blurts out the wildest, craziest things. It's cool, though: everyone on their street knows he doesn't mean anything by it.

Yeah, it's cool . . . until Ali and Noodles and Needles find themselves somewhere they never expected to be . . . somewhere they never should've been - where the people aren't so friendly, and even less forgiving.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Jason Reynolds offers a compelling urban fiction narrative that's both humorous and poignant, as noted in a review that highlights its rewarding nature. Another review praises the book's exploration of family, friendship, and loyalty, showcasing the powerful themes woven throughout the story.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571369645

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 February 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Akhran Girmay

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 200.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 20.0mm

Weight: 305g

Pages: 272

Collections

Children's Books Children’s, Teenage and Educational Jason Reynolds Young Adult

About the Author

Jason Reynolds is a critically acclaimed and multi award winning writer and poet. He currently holds the position of National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in the US, and is the author of several books including All American Boys, Boy in the Black Suit and the Carnegie Medal award winning Run series. Born in Washington, DC and raised in neighbouring Oxon Hill, Maryland, Reynolds found inspiration in rap to begin writing poetry at nine years old. He focused on poetry for approximately the next two decades, only reading a novel cover to cover for the first time at age 17. Long Way Down was Jason's first novel to be published in the UK.

jasonwritesbooks.com
@jasonreynolds83

Akhran Girmay is a FAB Prize winning illustrator. His illustrated edition of the award-winning All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is publishing in 2021. Akhran lives in Bristol.

akhrangirmay.com
@akhran_girmay

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