An “artful and introspective” (BCCB, starred review) novel in verse about a Black teen with ADHD who finds self-expression and first love during one epic summer school season, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and On the Come Up.
For the third summer in a row, Pernell is back in the classroom, facing the same struggles that have always made school seem more like a battlefield than a place of learning. This summer is different, though: he’s battling to become the Cypher King, leader of the lunchroom’s impromptu rap circles. Here, the rhythm flows and the words fly, creating a space where the wittiest and most rhythmically inclined reign supreme. Here, Pernell’s ADHD gives him an edge.
But life outside the cypher isn’t as forgiving. Pernell’s English teacher has it out for him. His parents are pressuring him to see a doctor for his lack of focus. And Electra, his friend-slash-crush and the only one who truly gets him, is too busy chasing her dream internship to give him the time of day.
If Pernell doesn’t pull himself together, he won’t just lose the title of Cypher King—he’ll lose his chance to graduate high school. In a world where the systems are turned against kids like him, Pernell needs to find a way to succeed with his ADHD, rather than in spite of it.---from the publisher
256 pages 978-1665973120 Ages 12 and up
Keywords: novel in verse, high school, self expression, summer school, rap music, ADHD, parents, crush, finding yourself, believing in yourself, self image, African American male character, African American and Black stories, diverse books, performing arts, 12 year old, 13 year old, 14 year old, 15 year old, belonging, If You Liked On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
