Ayomide Bosia lives in Harlem, New York City, and just wants to do the things other fourteen year olds do-- hang out with friends, go to school, and occasionally chill in front of a television program. What's stopping her? Her social justice activist mother, Rosalie, who founded the group See Us years ago. Ayo's home is filled with art and music by Black artists, her mother has made sure she's well versed in Black history, and she knows all about a wide range of social justice issues because she spends so much time helping her mom organize marches, protests, and community engagement events. It's wearing, and Ayo just wants to be a teen and pursue her crush on the very cute Devonte. She tries to tell her mother that she wants to step back from See Us, but her mother is completely unsympathetic. Ayo also has questions about who her father is, and her mother has refused to address them. Ayo's second chance is to ask to step back iswhen she has her birthday; her mother plans a scavenger hunt, and if she figures it out, she's allowed to get any gift she would like. There's a lot going on as the school year starts. See Us has a march planned to protest police brutality, Ayo has to put up with new teachers who mispronouce her name and are impressed by her mother while also committing microaggressions, and Devonte asks her to get her mother's signature to absolve the football coach who cut off a player's dreadlocks, and whom See Us has been pursuing. Her mother, of course, says no, but Ayo is so irritated with her mother and pleased that Devonte is talking to her that she forges her mother's signature! Ayo's best friend Naija is also having problems-- after not being herself for weeks, she finally tells Ayo about her problems at home. Rosalie steps in and invites Naija to stay with them because Naija's mother refuses to change the situation. Ayo gets in big trouble for forging her mother's signature, but she is enjoying hanging out with Devonte. Of course, her mother's training sticks with her even when she goes to a high school party where there is drinking and drugs; she schools the group on the problems with Black boys dating white girls, and the fact that cigarette companies target the Black demographic. At school, she brings a lot of information to class discussions. When the See Us protest occurs, Ayo is hanging out with Devonte, although they do watch the television coverage. Things turn ugly, and Ayo's mother is shot by a white policeman and ends up in a coma. Ayo, of course, is devastated, and must rely on an uncle and on her community to just make it through each day. There are calls for Ayo to step up and address the public, especially when it looks like the policeman will not be punished. At the same time, Ayo has her birthday scavenger hunt, and with the help of her good friends, starts to work through the clues. Will she be able to reconcile her own life and past with the ramifications of being Black in the US? And how will she find a way forward when her mother is not there to help her?
Strengths: Ayo is a typical teen; she both loves and is irritated by her mother, and she's not entirely sure who SHE is yet. Is she a See Us heir apparent, or can she differentiate herself from her mother? How can she navigate what she wants to do, when her mother and community are directing traffic? This hits all the right notes with the sometimes problematic mother-daughter relationship. I especially love how well Ayo has internalized everything her mother has taught her! So many important topics are covered, and they are discussed in well reasoned ways; Mr. Gunderson is a white person who is interested in being an ally, but makes occasional missteps and is treated in a constrctive way. The romance with Devonte might be the big draw for many of my readers, and while he starts out as a problematic character, it clearly becomes apparent that he is a well-raised in a similar manner to Ayo. The storyline with Naija is brief but important, and the scavenger hunt plays into the middle grade concern with personal identity. If nothing else, libraries should buy this as a historic document; we can only hope that society improves in the years after 2022. Ayo and her mother fear it won't, but still cling to the hope that it will so that they can continue their important work in social justice.
Weaknesses: This puts its toes just slightly over the YA line; Ayo is at a party where there is drinking, but she doesn't partake. She also tries to get Devonte to sleep with her, and even undresses in front of him, but he refuses to take advantage of her grief. There is absolutely nothing instructional, which is always my rule of thumb. The fact that Ayo and Devonte make good decisions and have a constructive conversation about their situation is something that even middle schoolers would benefit from, so I think it would be appropriate for them to read. The n-word is used, but in the context of why the word is problematic. Any issues that anyone might have with this book are all handled in an enlightening and not gratuitous way, and there is no cursing.
What I really think: I will purchase this for fans of Watson's Love is a Revolution, Buford's Kneel, and Cole's Black Was the Ink, and those who ask for Thomas' The Hate U Give or Stone's Dear Martin.

There are two intertwining stories in this book. One is activism and the fight for racial equality. The second is about the relationship between a mother and daughter and their struggles to understand and accept each other.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the author used the characters to show micro-aggression's and overt racism. It was eye-opening. I also liked how the author used well known black figures throughout the story as a source of pride and accomplishment.

Although the subject matter can be heavy, the author did a great job keeping the tone light enough to make it a hopeful story instead of terribly depressing. It is worth your time to read it.

**Post will publish on July 1, 2022
My Thoughts:
14-year old Ayo is raised by a strong, activist single parent who involves Ayo in her non-profit See Us. There is a large protest called "How Much?" against the rampant police violence towards African Americans in Harlem and although Ayo is the president of the youth branch, she really just wants to be a teenager and not have to carry the burden of carrying the injustices of a whole people on her young shoulders. She wants to hang out and laugh and maybe even fall in love.

But when her mother gets shot in the head during the protest, Ayo is looked at as the voice of the movement. Can she find the source of her motherʻs strength? Can she step forward in the role that she has been trained for and call forth the ancestors in order to be heard? This story is powerful and heart breaking. It is about sacrifice and love. Mostly it is about being heard.

This book could lead to or from books like The Hate U Give, and Dear Martin

From the Publisher:
Ayo's mother founded the biggest civil rights movement to hit New York City in decades. It’s called ‘See Us’ and it tackles police brutality and racial profiling in Harlem. Ayo has spent her entire life being an activist and now, she wants out. She wants to get her first real kiss, have a boyfriend, and just be a normal teen.

When her mom is put into a coma after a riot breaks out between protesters and police, protestors want Ayo to become the face of See Us and fight for justice for her mother who can no longer fight for herself. While she deals with her grief and anger, Ayo must also discover if she has the strength to take over where her mother left off.

This impactful and unforgettable novel takes on the important issues of inequality, systemic racism, police violence, and social justice.



Author: Marie Arnold

Publication date: August 2, 2022

Publisher: Versify

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC - I truly LOVED this book. I found it very moving, emotional, powerful and at times, uncomfortable. It was difficult to read the struggles of a young child torn between being a child, and wanting to stand up for her race. It hammered home the effects that racism has on people of colour from such a young age. I can't wait to adopt this in the classroom.

This book reminded me of the book Hate U Give based on the content. It relates to present day issues of racism and police brutality. I was expecting a different ending, but overall it was well written.

A phenomenal story that will open your eyes, rip your heart out, and then raise you back up.

Ayo is a fifteen year old girl trying to live a normal life, but struggles to find the balance when she’s the daughter of an activist. See Us is a foundation created by her mother to stand up against racial profiling and discrimination, and Ayo wants a little room to breathe.
When disaster strikes, she must choose whether to stand up and speak out for her mother, or let her despair take her down.

I Rise is like nothing I’ve ever read before. It’s powerful, it’s brilliantly written, and it’s something I think everyone should read.

This book was good to read. I almost couldn't put it down because Page was page-turner. I didn't want it to end. I would highly recommend other people reading this book.

Mark your calendars, this YA book is one to watch!

What it’s about:
A heartbreaking and powerful novel about racism and social justice as fourteen-year-old Ayo has to decide whether to take on her mother's activist role when her mom is shot by police. As she tries to find answers, Ayo looks to the wisdom of her ancestors and her Harlem community for guidance.

Once it’s published, I can tell you THUG will be in great company!!! This is a short yet very impactful novel which had me hooked from page 1.

Ayo is a your normal teenager, she has doubts, wants to fit in, have fun but she also has a mother at the head of See Us, a hugely successful campaign to denounce police brutality in Harlem.

Ayo is a fantastic character and I absolutely loved the mother-daughter relationship. I found the treasure hunt idea brilliant and without spoiling, it was absolutely wholesome.

After having loved the Year I Flew Away, I knew it would not disappoint.
Highly recommend this title which I can see working superbly for students bookclubs, with lots to discuss.

4.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Versify Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC of I Rise in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! That’s the thought I’m left with after reading this book. The blurb describes it as “A heartbreaking and powerful novel about racism and social justice as fourteen-year-old Ayo has to decide whether to take on her mother's activist role when her mom is shot by police. As she tries to find answers, Ayo looks to the wisdom of her ancestors and her Harlem community for guidance.” Just a little spoiler there!

Ayo’s mom has founded a civil rights group called “See Us”—and though Black Lives Matter isn’t mentioned by name, this book really puts a face on that movement. For me, one of the hardest parts about this book was remembering that Ayo was only fourteen years old. It was heartbreaking to observe Ayo and her Black friends try to describe to their white classmates--who insist that they are not racist and complain that Black people try to make them feel bad for their skin color—what their America is like compared to their teacher’s and their classmates. (But look for the humor—I particularly enjoyed Ayo’s Five classic tracks from the “Ballad of the White Folks” playlist.) By now, we’ve all heard about how Black parents give their kids, particularly their sons, “the talk”—about what to do if they’re stopped by police. This book goes beyond that, particularly in addressing family relationships, but also looking at how Black teens have to check themselves in many different situations. Even as Ayo tries to back away from See Us, she still needs to deal with the day-to-day struggle of being a Black teen in Harlem, regularly needing to interact with white people who just don’t get it.

I loved this book—not just for its very important messages, but for the people. The teens were an amazing group, so many dimensions, so supportive of their friends. The adults from the neighborhood were stunning as well, from the woman who loves Star Trek to the poker playing old ladies who care for Ayo when she needs it the most. This book is for Black and Brown kids who need to know someone gets it, but it also has a lot to teach anyone else who wants to learn.

If you enjoyed The Hate U Give or Dear Martin, then this book is a must-read!

I loved Ayo and her story of trying to figure out how to handle life as an activist daughter and her struggle with that journey. The writer did a wonderful job and answered all of the questions for each character in the book, they are well thought out and not just an add-on that has no depth. Books like these make you stop and think about what we can do to help change and make the world a better place.

The title, inspired by Maya Angelou, is what attracted me to this book. The cultural references, the representation, and, realistic storyline make this a stand out novel. The book deals with racism in a poignant manner. It is unique and powerful. HIghly recommend this book and this author.

Ayo is the 14 year old daughter of a famous activist leader of a Harlem based anti-racism group. She has been raised fully comprehending the challenges, obstacles and racism she will face as a black woman in America and shaped with a future in activism in mind. But she is sick of feeling like a warrior in her mum's army and missing out on what she views as normal teenage life. Then tragedy strikes and Ayo has to decide what she really wants.
I loved this in as much as it broke my heart and I utterly cried my way through the end. Set against a semi fictional campaign for equality (i.e. devastatingly close to fact) Ayo's relationship with her mum is exquisite. Every supporting character is so loveable and passionate and nerdy and compelling. I really didn't want to leave them and would happily have stayed in Harlem with them to watch the future unfold.

Absolutely stunning book - by which I mean it will leave you stunned.

Ayo's journey is a dark and difficult one, but the decisions she comes to are well thought out.

It's a difficult read, but an essential one. It is angry (rightfully so), full of passion and love for a community and its people. The small, quiet moments (Star Trek, poker games) we're just as well realised as the big, shocking ones.

Pre-order it right this second. I'll be getting copies in the school library and would consider it as an interesting Y9+ read especially coupled with work on the Harlem Renaissance.

Thank you to Clarion, NetGalley and the author for an ARC copy.

This book really reminds me of The Hate U Give but it takes the importance of such a story to awhole new level. Powerful.

4.5 stars

Since reading the incredible The Hate You Give last year, I have found it hard to find any books about civil rights and police brutality that can live up to that incredible work. I finally found a book that is of the same quality as T.H.U.G.: I Rise.

14 year old Ayo is the daughter of the infamous Rosalie Bosia, the founder of See Us, a civil rights activist group based in Harlem, New York. Rosalie challenges police brutality and institutional racism across the borough and coordinates on a large scale.

"My mother is a force unlike any other. She's formidable, resilient and tenacious."

Her mother has been prepping her to take over as leader of See Us since she was a little girl, exposing her to the greats in African-American history and culture, but Ayo wants out. She longs to live a 'normal' life where she can have a boyfriend and chill out with her friends instead of leading the youth section of the movement. But during a protest about yet another killing of a black man by the police, Ayo's mother is shot and Ayo must uncover what she really wants from life.

What I Loved
1. The biggest thing that I loved about this book was the diversity of beliefs about racism that was portrayed. In many YA books about race, the black community is often written like there is one unified perspective on all topics from all people. Obviously, this is not correct, and Arnold did an excellent job of portraying these and having discussions between the differing viewpoints. Arnold also accurately detailed the many different viewpoints within the white community and explaining why some of these viewpoints are ill-informed.

2. Arnold does not just touch on police brutality here. She covers microaggressions, intersectionality and race in the education system.

3. The cultural references! Music, poetry, novels, history is all woven beautifully into the story. It provides the reader with many other things to read and listen to and expand their horizons even more. Of course, the title comes from the famous poem by Maya Angelou.

4. This book would make a wonderful book club read in schools. It is such a springboard for discussing many topics, such as whether or not you should have a choice in actively opposing injustice and inequality, how can we most effectively combat racism and should parents be allowed to force their children to do something they do not want to?

5. The storyline is realistic. Not everything goes how you want it to and that's OK.

6. LGBTQ+ representation.

What I Didn't Like
1. The epilogue let the book down a little bit if I'm honest. Ayo should have shown that you don't have to pick one thing in your life, as that is what she was hoping for throughout the whole book and then at the end she broke up with Devonte because she wanted to focus on See U. It just didn't tally up with her character.

2. The nicknames she came up with for people and groups. It was a bit too much and felt forced at times.

This is one to read this year!

Out 2nd August 2022

What else can I see, but it broke my heart and made it soar at the same time. There is sadness and justified anger, but also a hope for change. A hope that we could all stand together to fight the oppression that is fractured in our communities.

Many thanks to the author and to NetGalley for my ARC for an honest review.

I just reviewed I Rise by Marie Arnold. #IRise #NetGalley

This was a great middle grade read that fans of Angie Thomas and Nic Stone would potentially enjoy. I thought it did a great job of taking tough topics and presenting them to young readers.

So good Marie Arnold really made Ayo's seem very real. I love that she is just as passionate about "See Us" as her mother is. I really felt like I was there standing side side by side with Ayo's as they fought for their rights. I want to get my hands on a physical copy right away.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review!

I'll start with my highest praise: I enjoyed this book more than The Hate U Give.

I Rise is about a teenager—Ayo—dealing with racism and social justice in Harlem. She just wants to relax and have a normal teenage life though. Her mom's a huge activist and pushes that life onto her. But her mom's activism comes at a cost, and Ayo's world tumbles fast. Soon, she's putting pieces of a scavenger hunt that her mom made for her together—without her mom.

I loved the dialogue throughout. I could tell this story has been thought over and over because every little string is connected in the end. Any question the readers may think of from side characters to Ayo herself is answered. And the side characters aren't left to the side; they get their own flushed out stories. Ayo's story specifically is heartbreaking but so powerful with how everything ties together.

I did eventually guess what was in the box at the end before Ayo, but I've also read many books and have dived into many stories before. So, not everything is a mystery anymore I guess.

This book also tackles American racism in a powerful way. It showcases the many sides and appearances racism takes. It also talks a lot about Black culture, something that I honestly do not know enough of and something that is continuously being taken away from Americans. (E.g. Martin Luther King Jr (and more) is dropped from Texas school curriculum. Which means they're about to try to take him out of history books.) I know for me, I hadn't heard of the Blank anthem before, but as soon as the chapter that mentioned it was over, I looked it up. It's a beautiful song.

I've already recommended this book to others. It's a must read.

Well written and engaging story; definitely recommend picking this one up if you're looking to add some diverse voices to your classroom library.