The Cost of Knowing
Powerful novel of teen boy who transforms fear to resolve.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that in The Cost of Knowing, by Brittney Morris (SLAY), Alex, a 16-year-old African American teen, copes with the power to see the future of any object that touches his palms. This power gives him the unwanted knowledge that his young brother, Isaiah, is going to die, and he resolves to make Isaiah's life meaningful. Violence includes a mass shooting, and a young man dies from a racist attack by a vigilante. Strong language includes "f--," "s--t," "nigga," "damn," "bitch," and "hell." A boy masturbates, and a teen couple contemplate losing their virginity together. A teen drinks champagne and feels nauseated.
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What's the Story?
When THE COST OF KNOWING BEGINS, Alex, a 16-year-old African American teen is at work in an ice cream shop in the suburbs of Chicago. Ever since the accident that claimed his parents' lives, Alex has received visions about anything that touches his palms. This knowledge is a curse. He can't change the future he sees. When he attempts to prevent a calamity, it sometimes seems he caused it. His visions become disturbing: He sees that his boss is going to have to sell the business, he's going to deeply hurt his girlfriend, and worst of all, his little brother is going to die soon. Alex sets out to make his brother's time more meaningful.
Is It Any Good?
This moving and ambitious fantasy is a love letter to Black boys. In The Cost of Knowing, Brittney Morris (SLAY, a New York Times bestseller) uses the idea of being able to see the future as a metaphor for the anxiety that exists for children (particularly Black boys) forced to confront the worst realities of the adult world. The author is successful in making the main character's unusual power (seeing visions of the future about anything that touches his palms) consistent and rational throughout the story. She also covers a lot of subject matter that can benefit from more coverage: mental health in Black boys and men; a mass shooting (she explores the motivations of the shooter as well as the experiences of the victims); and how "good people" can become violent vigilantes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of fear in The Cost of Knowing. How do you cope with fear in your life? What happens when your fears stand in the way of your dreams?
Have you ever learned something you didn't want to know? What did you do with the information?
Have you ever felt betrayed by someone you trusted?
Book Details
- Author: Brittney Morris
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: April 6, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 322
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 2, 2021
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Black Boy
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For kids who love fantasy and stories of mental illness
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