This Thing of Ours

In this impactful YA debut by two-time bestselling author Frederick Joseph, we follow Ossie Brown, a Black teen whose promising basketball career is abruptly derailed by a torn ACL. As he navigates his affluent, predominantly white school, he discovers a new purpose through a writing program led by a supportive teacher, delving into the works of marginalized authors and forming meaningful friendships. However, the arrival of a viral anti-woke video threatens the safety of his friends and the stability of the writing program, pushing Ossie to find his true voice in a story that tackles racism, classism, and the challenges of student life. This poignant narrative serves as a rallying cry against book banning while celebrating the resilience of youth and the transformative power of literature.