What a book! And the verse format is just brilliant - and I think that is also a huge takeaway from this book as it focuses on faith, resilience, and art in the worst situations. Ibi Zoboi's writing is stunning and the assist from Dr. Yusef Salaam (of the Exonerated Five from the "Central Park jogger" case) helps to make this story even more powerful. A lot of Black stories dealing with injustice I have read have not focused on the time IN prison as much as this story does. It was quite consuming and emotional to see this young Black man fighting to stay who he is and not turn into a monster, ravaging himself with defeat and guilt. He does focus frequently on the Butterfly Effect and what small change(s) he could have made in the day of and days prior to the event that unjustly threw him into jail. But he uses that comparison, his art, and his love for family and a potential future to keep him grounded. Zoboi and Salaam have put together a remarkable YA book (even though this definitely speaks to non-YA readers as well) here that is definitely recommended!