Solo
by Kwame Alexander; Mary Rand Hess
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Pub Date Dec 31 2075 | Archive Date Dec 14 2017
Blink | Clarion Books
Description
Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess is a New York Times bestseller! Kirkus Reviews said Solo is, “A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told.” Through the story of a young Black man searching for answers about his life, Solo empowers, engages, and encourages teenagers to move from heartache to healing, burden to blessings, depression to deliverance, and trials to triumphs.
Blade never asked for a life of the rich and famous. In fact, he’d give anything not to be the son of Rutherford Morrison, a washed-up rock star and drug addict with delusions of a comeback. Or to no longer be part of a family known most for lost potential, failure, and tragedy, including the loss of his mother. The one true light is his girlfriend, Chapel, but her parents have forbidden their relationship, assuming Blade will become just like his father.
In reality, the only thing Blade and Rutherford have in common is the music that lives inside them. And songwriting is all Blade has left after Rutherford, while drunk, crashes his high school graduation speech and effectively rips Chapel away forever. But when a long-held family secret comes to light, the music disappears. In its place is a letter, one that could bring Blade the freedom and love he’s been searching for, or leave him feeling even more adrift.
Solo:
- Is written by New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award-winner Kwame Alexander
- Showcases Kwame’s signature intricacy, intimacy, and poetic style, by exploring what it means to finally go home
- An #OwnVoices novel that features a BIPOC protagonist on a search for his roots and identity
- Received great reviews from Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus.
If you enjoy Solo, check out Swing by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess.
Advance Praise
Kirkus Reviews Starred Review!
The 17-year-old son of a troubled rock star is determined to find his own way in life and love.
On the verge of adulthood, Blade Morrison wants to leave his father’s bad-boy reputation for drug-and-alcohol–induced antics and his sister’s edgy lifestyle behind. The death of his mother 10 years ago left them all without an anchor. Named for the black superhero, Blade shares his family’s connection to music but resents the paparazzi that prevent him from having an open relationship with the girl that he loves. However, there is one secret even Blade is unaware of, and when his sister reveals the truth of his heritage during a bitter fight, Blade is stunned. When he finally gains some measure of equilibrium, he decides to investigate, embarking on a search that will lead him to a small, remote village in Ghana. Along the way, he meets people with a sense of purpose, especially Joy, a young Ghanaian who helps him despite her suspicions of Americans. This rich novel in verse is full of the music that forms its core. In addition to Alexander and co-author Hess’ skilled use of language, references to classic rock songs abound. Secondary characters add texture to the story: does his girlfriend have real feelings for Blade? Is there more to his father than his inability to stay clean and sober? At the center is Blade, fully realized and achingly real in his pain and confusion.
A contemporary hero’s journey, brilliantly told. (Verse fiction. 14-adult)
Booklist Starred Review!
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780310761839 |
| PRICE | $17.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 464 |
Featured Reviews
Carol R, Librarian
Kwame Alexander can reach into your soul through his heartfelt poetic verse. This story captured my interested and kept in to the very end.
Kudos Kwame.
Librarian 320692
What a powerful book. I love all of Kwame Alexander's books. They have a unique way of teaching life lessons. This book shows the power of family, friendship, loss, love and belonging.
Richelle S, Librarian
Basically anything by Kwame Alexander is going to be a hit in my library and this book is no exception. You really feel the struggles Blade is dealing with in his family and relationship throughout this book. Solo is an interesting follow up to Crossover and Booked.
Danielle H, Educator
(I received an ARC of this book on NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.)
Solo is a great story in free verse about a young man trying to balance the toxic relationships in his life with his ambitions, love, and grief.
We are the sum of moving parts and adjustable hearts.
In addition to the rhythmic and captivating writing style, I enjoyed the storytelling and heart of this work. It is funny, honest, and thought-provoking.
Blade, as our protagonist, is so sure of himself and his goals, even when it’s clear to the reader that he’s being completely obtuse. It happens a few times that the reader is able to sympathize with Storm (Blade’s sister) AND love Blade, even though the two are disagreeing. This is masterful writing – Alexander has made us feel like a part of this family!
Every time Rutherford, Blade’s father, came on screen, I was able to feel the same stuck feeling as Blade. I could deeply relate, since Rutherford reminded me so sharply of my own grieving, addict father who is eager-to-please, yet deeply selfish and deluded. At other times, when Rutherford was kind or caring, I steeled myself (as Blade did) for the next heartbreak. Reading about this character was a really visceral experience for me.
All in all, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to students or friends, and I will definitely seek out the rest of Alexander’s books now.
Kim M, Educator
I absolutely loved this book! I love that it was written in free verse and the music references. I enjoyed going on Blade's journey. In true Kwame fashion, he leaves you hanging. 💜 Cannot wait to get a print copy and get this into the hands of students.
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