Great middle school read - especially for kiddos who solve problems with their fists and not their heads. I have a few students to whom I will recommend this book.

Bryan is a 6th grader of Puerto Rican heritage in NYC who likes comic books and drawing. His older sister, Ava (9th grade) accuses him of being "soft," which he hates. Bryan's dad is in jail at first, then on parole; Bryans' dad is not a bad guy; he has a temper and is the opposite of "soft." Bryan's mom is a beloved social worker, and she has historically encouraged Bryan to keep to himself and stay out of trouble; however, she encourages him to befriend Mike, a 7th grader who gets good grades (she's seen his report card). Mike draws Bryan into increasingly more risky behavior, which Bryan is not sure is what he wants to be doing. Bryan's growing friendship with Big Will shows him another model, and Bryan begins to figure out how he wants to move through the world.

3.5.

In the vain of Walter Dean Myers, Tight features a middle school boy who gets pulled in all sorts of directions once a bad influence enters his life.  His new friend cuts class, so why shouldn't he?  And his new friend likes to run a little bit tough, so why should he?  But the more and more he does it, the more and more he realizes that this isn't him, that these kinds of behaviors aren't the ones he wants to do.  

Tight offers a discussion on the topic of Puerto Rican masculinity, family dynamics, fatherly incarceration, and influential friendships.  Nothing is black and white here--everything is nuanced.  Especially when there are so many options, so many talking points--how can Bryan possibly turn to anybody to get answers when everybody seems to want him to act a certain way?

Overall, this story was a fantastic, realistic, and contemporary read about the struggles of falling into a breaking free from a crowd that doesn't have your best interests at heart.  Absolutely fantastic.

Review cross-listed here!

3.5 stars. I found a lot of value in Bryan’s story but the messaging felt heavy handed. The author paints a vivid picture of a 6th grade boy who gets caught up with a wild friend and becomes a follower. The moments of decision-making (in which Bryan debates in his mind but follows anyway despite nagging thoughts) were realistic and authentic and should resonate with young readers.