A Notable Verse Novel, National Council of Teachers of English
A Bank Street Center for Children's Literature Best Book of the Year

★ "It's 1970, and following the death of his grandmother, Onyx, a 12-year-old Black boy, is left living alone with his mother, who has early onset dementia. Fearing losing Mama too, he keeps her condition a secret from everyone and instead vows to make sure that he keeps up the show of everything being OK at home. ... As readers follow Onyx in his endeavors to help his mother, they're also given a glimpse into being a young Black boy who, for all his troubles in life, has just as many joyful moments with his family and friends. A story of perseverance and love."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★"A beautifully told novel in verse about family and community. Recommended for all middle grade collections."--School Library Journal, starred review

★"McBride delivers a welcome message about the might of hope and importance of community in this emotional yet encouraging story."-- Shelf Awareness, starred review

"After Onyx's grandmother dies, he is tasked with the responsibility of caring for his mother, who has early onset dementia. This includes cooking meals, getting himself ready for school, and making sure no one finds out about her worsening symptoms.... Onyx then plots to steal a piece of a moon rock from the Smithsonian space exhibit, convinced that it will help his mother get her memories back. ...Surreal descriptions of the protagonist's inner thoughts--...interspersed throughout add gentle magic to this perceptive interpretation of a child growing up with a caregiver navigating illness."--Publishers Weekly

"[T]his tender story is set in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the subsequent uprisings, which leave an indelible impression upon the protagonist, adding to his unease and his need for safety. Onyx proves a resourceful, compassionate character whose village shows up for him and his mother and relieves him of the burdens that he has carried alone for too long."--The Horn Book Magazine

"Fans of historical fiction will appreciate the thoughtfully used setting and tough topics, but the relationships and familial ties are where the story is strongest--showing that asking for help is never the wrong thing to do when you have a strong support system. "--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)

"This novel in verse will pull at the heartstrings of young middle-grade readers."--Booklist