Gil has been accepted to Augustin for his senior year. He’s the first student to be accepted in his senior year to Augustin, but on his first day he’s already facing racism for being Jamaican and one of the few Black students at the school. By the end of his first week he’s suspended after he’s the target of a racist attack. Using The Art Of War Gil starts to fight back. But in the mean time he’s trying to balance friendships at home and managing with his dad being back in Jamaica and his Granmas dementia.

This book is so incredible and powerful. Facing managing racism in institutes is always an incredibly difficult thing and something I’ll never really know as a white person. But these stories always aspire to look at more ways I can help to attempt to dismantle systems if and where I can. And there will always be more that I can do. Once again this book shows the power of a YA novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for this ARC.

This book felt very slow to get into, even after putting it down and trying again multiple times- I just could not get into it. I can definitely see people enjoying this book and gaining knowledge, it's definitely not a light read! I can see this book maybe being read in high schools or at least some excerpts for it.

*Thank you Penguin Teen and team for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions above are 100% my own!*

Absolutely incredible YA book about the power of using your voice and learning how to readjust plans due to circumstances. The friendship between Gil and his two best friends was absolutely heartwarming. I loved seeing Gil's growth as he learned to prioritize himself and how that might mean letting those around him down.

I like that this book doesn't offer any easy answers. We have this character who wants it all and that balance is impossible. Something has to give. One might argue that this is, in fact, the messaging. You have to weigh everything in your life and prioritize. It isn't always a comfortable read but the intent is worthwhile.

4.5 stars

A very important read. I believe that books like these should be read in schools. It was Very educational about racism and good character development.

If this book does nothing else, it's going to piss you off. Hooper brings readers a story of unapologetic student activism. A raw portrait of what it looks like when you carve space out for yourself in a world that doesn't make room for you. I enjoyed the authenticity of this story, appreciating the inclusion of Caribbean dialect and culture. This story touches on many vital issues, including systemic racism, immigration, educational resource scarcity, and academic violence. It also emphasizes the pressure and responsibility black boys take on at such a young age; having to grow up quickly and fight in a constant internal battle of not wanting to be seen as a failure or disappointment to their family. I loved the hilarious character banter throughout this story, as it was so organic. While I enjoyed this read, it was missing something for me. It took longer than I wanted to get into the story; however, once it did pick up, it kept my interest until the end. Additionally, while including Caribbean culture and language brought authenticity, I would've loved to have a glossary while reading to assist with some of the terminology. Overall, this was an enjoyable debut. If you're from Brooklyn, this story will feel like home.

True True is a powerful book that definitely serves to discuss and provide representation to those who are missing it. It's a good book for all to read so they can put themselves in someone else's shoes.

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for this advanced ARC. This was a good book. I think it really reads to the YA level as I found that the beginning dragged too much for me but I still pressed on as the book had a strong Caribbean/ Jamaican stance to it and that I why I wanted to read it early, Those aspects made it enjoyable to read along with his entrance into an elite white majority school. It is was nice to read but a bit slow to start.

I received this ARC thanks to Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A good, strong, and fast read. I enjoyed how the first chapter set the stage for the story without feeling long-winded. This book is authentic with its characters and their day-to-day realities.

You can picture Gil, hear him speak, and feel what he's feeling. My favorite kind of book.

I really love the concept of using the ancient book the Art of War to frame a metaphorical going to war with a classicist and elitist public school that uses microaggressive racism against its minority Black student body, including the main character Gil. The first 25-50% was really slow for me though and kind of hard to get into. It's a lot of names all at once and really all that happens is Gil starts the new school and is suspended. 10+ chapters is a lot of chapters for not a lot to happen. But the descriptions of all the Caribbean cultures in Brooklyn is really nice and the side plot of the family drama (absent Jamaican father and grandmother who is sick) adds some layers. I will always appreciate a book about Black Kid Magic and Black excellence and the second half was enjoyable.

Thank you to Penguin Teen Partners for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is unapologetically real from the start. The main character Gil has a lot going on at home and a lot to look forward to in life. The hardships at home are relatable as they struggle with immigration, poverty, medical/mental concerns and racism. He is faced with the inconsistencies and inequalities of the school system as a minority in a predominantly white prep school. He struggles throughout the story to ensure he is making his voice heard. This is a great read for anyone and any age.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, this is a voluntary honest review.

This book is so powerful and I love the Caribbean representation. It sends a great message to all the black kids that is in a majority white space and trying to exist. Highly recommend this book!

Powerful, moving, and all too relatable, True True follows Gil and his experience at his new mostly white prep school. Racism and getting jumped in his first week leads to probation for him, and of course no punishment for the popular white athletes who attacked him. He soon plots revenge against the admin based on The Art of War. When Gil finds out other Black students at the school have had similar experiences, he encourages them to speak out, but the consequences and response to them trying to get their voices and concerns heard soon takes over his life.
The moment I picked up True True, I could not stop reading! (Except to get snacks of course!) The writing style was so engaging, I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. I resonated so deeply with what Gil experienced, the frustration, the lack of being heard, the anger. At its heart while this is a book primarily about vengeance, I felt it was also about speaking other, and not letting your voice be silenced. Not taking the bread crumbs you are given with a smile on your face, but instead asking for equal treatment. (And acceptance!) Realising that certain situations are bigger than you, and to share your burdens with others. Not giving up no matter what, and daring to speak out because change doesn't come to those who are silent.
I loved the inclusion of robotics, I don't really know anything about the subject but it was really cool to see! I have seen clips of robotic competitions on Tiktok and now I want to go watch some more. I also thought Gil being a black belt and seeing a peek into Karate was so interesting! (Also really loved the symbolism!)
I am really glad that Gil had such a great support system, especially when he realised it was there. His Granma was so sweet, and I could feel the love for his family. The reality of his Dad not being present because he didn't want to get deported just gave me all the feelings. I could go on a many paragraph rant about how America treats immigrants, and the failure of our government in regards to the legalization process, but I'll spare you my rant.
If you have ever experienced microaggressions, racism, or your voice being ignored you will see so much of yourself in this. The microaggressions in this book were hard to read, and so accurate. How do you speak up about seemingly innocuous situations that others don't care/realise is harmful? The scene with Lydia claiming to be an "ally" had me immediately knowing what box to place her in. I was completely unsurprised by her actions after that reveal, and how she was just touching hair without consent.
The vibes and theme of this book reminded me of The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School, a favorite of mine. It's also incredibly disheartening to know that no matter where you live, you are not safe from this type of treatment. I have definitely seen a trend in recent years of authors writing books about race and what it is like to be at a predominantly white school, and I am 100000% on board with it. Do not read this on an empty stomach, all the food descriptions had me so hungry! I had to take a snack break multiple times.
I also love the cover, it matches the vibe of the book perfectly.
I read and review a lot of books, and if you are ever curious which ones you should for sure read, this is one of them. Seriously- read this book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙄𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩-𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙔𝘼 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙗𝙪𝙩, 𝙖 𝘽𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙡𝙮𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮-𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙥 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡, 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚.

I was so excited when I received an early copy of this book. It was a bit out of my usual reading genre, but it sounded so interesting and I couldn’t wait to dive into it.

Gil is a new student - a black teen in an almost entirely-white prep school in Manhattan - and I loved how flawed his character was written.

There’s a lot of racism in this book, but I really think the author handled it in such a great way. It is a YA contemporary so it did feel too juvenile at times, but I wholeheartedly think a teen reader will absolutely love this story.

I was completely captivated from early on and wanted to see where the story went. I loved the feeling it gave and the eye-opening moments. There were times when it was very difficult to read, especially with the racism and immigration talk.

I’m honestly impressed with this being a debut. I think it was so well written and the story definitely had me hooked. There’s a bigger meaning to this book, and I think the author displayed that perfectly.

The whole time I just wanted to root for Gil so badly, it broke my heart seeing his grandmother’s stages of dementia and his father's struggle with immigration in Jamaica. It was heartbreaking seeing how excited he was to start his senior year, only to be met with crappy people who made that experience difficult.

I honestly really enjoyed this book. I think it’s the perfect recommendation for a teen reader, or even an adult wanting to read this. It was fun and enjoyable, I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the review eARC and PRH Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review!

•𝗧𝗪/𝗖𝗪: Racial Slurs and Racism

3.5 stars rounded up

True, True is a YA contemporary debut about a Black teen from Brooklyn who transfers to a mostly white prep school where he faces racism and microaggressions while struggling to balance his new school with his family and old friends at the karate dojo. This includes challenges with immigration for his father who had to return to Jamaica. I think it's a solid debut and feels pretty true to a teen experience, complete with mistakes and difficult lessons along the way. I feel a little ambivalent about it, but I think I just didn't realize just HOW YA this was going to read. That's not a bad thing, it's great for a teen audience, but this type of YA contemporary with teen romantic mishaps and learning how to be less self-oriented aren't typically my thing. Note that the racist bullying in this book is pretty intense and the main character is on a journey to learn how to uplift the voices of his fellow Black students and their experiences without always centering himself in a way that can cause pain to others. Which is an important lesson to learn. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

A truly inspiring story I would love to have this book in a classroom full of middle schoolers. I think that the narrative was awesome.

This debut boldly tackles some really tough issues in a really excellent way. I was very impressed, especially considered it was a debut. The main character Gil is really likable and it didn’t take me long to be cheering him on. Gil has a lot going on with his family (his dad is in Jamaica and working on papers to come back to America and his Grandmother has the beginning stages of dementia) but he is still excited about his new challenge of the prep school he is starting for his senior year. But the mostly white prep school wasn’t ready for him and after a racist comment he gets in a fight with another boy and is the only punished he realizes he wasn’t as welcome as he had been led to believe. This story is about identity but it is also about the more sneaky bias and prejudice that is sadly all too common. I thought the writing was very good and look forward to reading more by this author.

This strikes me as a slightly less intense version of The Hate You Give.

Gil has been awarded a scholarship to attend a prestigious private school with all the equipment and opportunities his public school has never been able to afford.

However this new school is not at all diverse. He faces intense racism, both personal and systemic, from the students and administration.

He opts to take them on using tips from the art of war and focusing on his robotics club.

Gil is also facing family drama with his dad deported, his grandma descending into dementia and his family expecting him to rise above at his new school.

This book was great!

Gil felt so real to me. All of the characters felt realistic and I love the way Hooper tackled some of the harder topics, such as racism as it applies to goals and the way a person looks at the world.

The only “negative” think I have is the pacing. I felt the book was a little difficult to get into at first since it started slow, but then the ending came really fast. Other than that, this debut novel was great!

Thank you NetGalley and Don P. Hooper for allowing me early access to True True!

I adored the story, the world building was amazing. I love meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it. The writing was also really nice. I couldn't put the book down and I can't wait for others to read and enjoy this story as well.