Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that, while nothing is described or done by the main characters, there are references to drugs, sex, racism, and violence.
Families who read this book could discuss Tupac Shakur, and the conflicting views of his life and work. Some see him as an important voice of his generation, others as just another thug rapper. Which is true? How can one person be seen so differently? Why is he so important to the characters? How does he affect their lives?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
One of the many purposes of literature is to let readers see themselves in the characters, and see how people like them deal with the joys and difficulties of life. Many young readers will find themselves on these pages. Author Woodson depicts a time, a place, and a friendship that all feel very real, and she uses the device of their love of Tupac Shakur to make their experience universal. Any kid who has loved Shakur, or any musician, and used their music to help them figure out and get through their lives, will relate.
Another purpose of literature is to expose readers to lives different from their own, to open closed minds and broaden experience. Hanging her story on Shakur allows Woodson to accomplish both purposes. Tupac Shakur was one of those figures who divided America into two mutually uncomprehending groups -- those who loved him and found personal meaning in his work, and those who dismissed him as just another posing thug who reaped what he sowed. Woodson opens up the world of the former group to the latter who, after reading this, will want to reassess their hasty judgements, and perhaps learn more (see Other Choices for a place to start). A book that can open minds and bring together readers of vastly different experiences is a precious thing indeed.
From The Book
But when I saw Tupac like that--coming out of the hospital, all skinny and small-looking in that wheelchair, big guards around him--I remember thinking, He ain't gonna try to get revenge on nobody and he ain't trying to be a disgrace to anybody either. Just trying to keep on. Even though he wasn't smiling, I knew he was just happy and confused about still being alive.
Plot Summary:
Neeka, D, and the unnamed narrator are "Three the Hard Way," best friends growing up in Queens in the late '90s. While D is a foster child who hopes to be reunited with her mother, Neeka and the narrator have loving, if hard-pressed, families. Against a background of Tupac Shakur's jailing, shootings, and eventual death, and Neeka's gay older brother's jailing, they try to figure out how to survive, live fully, and find their Big Purpose, in a world that sometimes seems cruel and incomprehensible.
Related Books:
Other Books by Jacqueline Woodson:
From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun
I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This
Maizon at Blue Hill
If You Come Softly
Locomotion
Show Way
Feathers
More Close Girlfriends:
The Shimmershine Queens by Camille Yarbrough
Seth and Samona by Joanne Hyppolite
Ernestine & Amanda by Sandra Belton
Follow the Leader by Vicki Winslow
Songs of Faith by Angela Johnson
Related Web sites:
2Pac Legacy
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Sexual ContentA kiss. A significant subplot involves a gay older brother, referred to as a sissy and a queen, and his subculture. Tupac is jailed for sexual abuse. A reference to HIV. |
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ViolenceRefers frequently to the multiple shootings and death of Tupac Shakur. A robbery and severe beating, a knife fight. |
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Language"Ass" used several times. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorCharacters deal with racism, and feel targeted by police. |
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CommercialismSoda, fast food brands. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSmoking, drinking, and crack referred to. |
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