Other Side of the Tracks

Gr 9 Up–In this mash-up of West Side Story and The Hate U Give, debut author Alyse writes from the perspectives of two teens who live on opposite sides of the tracks, creating a physical divide for the racism of this community. Alyse realistically portrays the language of teens with lines such as “Yo, you thirsty? You catch dehydration or something?” Through capturing teens’ language, the author showcases their lived experiences. Readers meet Capri, a Black aspiring dancer, and Zach, a white musician, who meet unexpectedly and begin a whirlwind romance. The teens know they are up against the odds, but this becomes even more clear when a local Black teen—and Capri’s brother’s friend—is murdered by a white police officer. Suddenly, the divide becomes more visible and the two must fight for each other and their respective dreams. Capturing the emotions of first love with the roller-coaster of current events, this book delivers intense scenes that are all too common.