This book was BEYOND amazing. From the introduction where the author reminded folks FAFO, in the politest way possible. Historically written, she educated and entertained. I was consumed by the need to know what’s gonna happen next and when/how would everything come out for Calvin. Loved the characters, their development and interactions and genuinely cannot find a single flaw with this story. I don’t imagine she’ll do a sequel but there’s definitely room for it. 5 well deserving stars. Kim Johnson does it again!

Powerful novel about life in the early 1960s. Many aspects of race relations are woven into this poignant story.

I received a gifted copy for an honest review.

I read this author’s other two novels. While I enjoyed them both, I didn’t think anything would top my love for This Is My America, yet here we are.

This story was thoughtfully written and heavily researched. Each and every character was written with care. I could feel each one’s emotions - confusion, helplessness, determination, rage, hatred, etc. As a Florida resident, this is a part of history that the department of education is meticulously trying to erase. Yet it shows how society continued to be complicit to the racism previous generations experienced (and carried out). The author beautifully illustrated what it means when we say “the children will lead them.”

I also found it interesting learning the story of passing from someone that did not have input in the decision. We often hear the stories of people passing but never learn about those directly and indirectly impacted. We know that they have to say goodbye forever but how do you explain to a child that their social circle is not only going to be changed but they have to deny everything they have to ever known? How do manage a forbidden love that could potentially threaten not only your life but the lives of everyone close to you?

There is so much more I want to say about this story but I want to be cognizant of spoilers. This is officially my new favorite book by Kim Johnson and I highly, highly recommend it.

My only hope is that the publishing company properly markets this and gives it the support it rightly deserves. Unfortunately, publishing companies do a disservice to not only their Black authors and readers, but to themselves by not utilizing the extensive Black reading company to spread the word about their books. I pray this time is different because this book deserves better.

Books like this bring out all of my emotions but I can never stop reading. This book gripped me from the beginning and I just couldn’t let go. Fantastic read!!!

I'm in my 30s, and I remember reading high school mandatory texts like "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Of Mice and Men," and "Fahrenheit 451." It is appropriate to include this work on such list. It addresses racism, passing, and the wide range of emotions that accompany them in a clear and understandable manner.

The narrative moved quickly and with great emotional impact, ending on a positive note. With the exception of the racist ones, the characters in the novel were interesting, and it truly stirs up powerful feelings.


I heartily endorse this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and Kim Johnson for allowing me to read it. It was interesting as well as educational. As soon as it is released, I want to buy a tangible copy.

Kim Johnson tackles Jim Crow, school integration and housing discrimination in her latest novel. Calvin and his family move to a white neighborhood where he attends a white school but Calvin is Black. His father has decided that that the family should lie and claim to be white, their skin is “light enough”, after Calvin’s sister is killed when their previous home is set on fire because they are Black. His father thinks that a new life will give Calvin a shot at a better future but is it worth it?

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

As someone in my 40s, I recall the required readings from high school like "Of Mice and Men," "Fahrenheit 451," "The Great Gatsby," and "To Kill a Mockingbird." This book deserves to be added to that list. It tackles racism, passing, and the myriad of emotions that come with them in a way that's easy to grasp.

The story was both emotionally charged and fast-paced, ultimately leaving a heartwarming impression. The characters were compelling (except for the racist ones), and the book really evokes strong emotions.

I highly recommend this book. Many thanks to Kim Johnson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read it. It was both engaging and enlightening. I plan to purchase a physical copy upon release and suggest to my local library that they add it to their shelves.

For Calvin, a young Black man living in 1955, passing as white was a high stakes game he sometimes played with friends in Chicago. Now it's a full-time job as his father moves their family into a "Whites Only" town in the Pennsylvania suburbs. The move is suppose to protect Calvin and his mother following a tragedy in Chicago that left is older sister dead, but the seemingly ideal neighborhood is full racist secrets. The only time Calvin feels like himself is when he can slip across town to his brother's boarding school to spend time with friends who know him and Lily, the pretty girl who's facing increasing threats at Calvin's school where she is the first (known) Black student to be attending. As tensions in the white part of town rise, passing starts to feel more and more dangerous, especially as Calvin feels pulled to help defend Lily and fight against the injustices he sees all around him.

Kim Johnson has written a compelling social justice thriller that highlights racial discrepancies in the United States during the Civil Rights era that are often overlooked, those in the North. Calvin is a complex and interesting character put in an impossible situation by his parents. There is an increased tension and complexity to the situation as you see the respect and love in the family and how everyone is struggling to do what they think is best following family tragedy. I appreciate when a teen character is able to fight back and pursue the "right" course of action. A strong point of this novel is the variety and complexity of the side characters. From Calvin and Eugene to Alex and Ben, each character is their own person with battles to fight and room to grow.

Gripping historical novel set during post-WW2 segregation in newly-built Levittown. The main character, Calvin, and his family move from Chicago to Levittown where they pass as white to gain a better future for Calvin in a segregated country. Calvin's character really demonstrates the internal conflict that goes along with pretending to be someone else, and he is inspired by his brother to make a difference at his all-white school and in his community by pushing back against the accepted narrative. The book gives a real taste of the struggles found in this time period (and that carry over today). There were a couple of events towards the end that didn't sit well with me as a reader, but this is definitely a book I would add to my classroom library.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Kim Johnson is that rare author whose writing is consistently strong. Unafraid to tackle difficult subject matter, her books are "must reads" in our library media center. Introducing the concept of "passing" to a generation of young adult readers who may be unfamiliar with the term, Calvin's story is powerful, engaging, and challenging. We will be getting multiple copies as the demand will be great for this title.

Strong social justice novel by Kim Johnson with a heavy focus on passing as white versus living as a POC. Thanks for the arc

When Calvin’s family moves from Chicago to Pennsylvania, his dad tells him he has to play white, blend in and leave the past behind. When Calvin finds out his boss and their realtor wants to keep the community segregated , his dad is shocked. When violence escalates and someone goes missing, what does Calvin’s family decide to do?