King of the Neuro Verse

Against a backdrop of 1990s nostalgia, a Black teen navigates burgeoning Y2K panic as he determines to overcome internal and external obstacles to forge a better path. In danger of falling behind, rising high school senior Pernell, who has ADHD, must attend summer school under the tutelage of bullying English teacher Ms. Harding. When Pernell’s friend and crush, Electra, surprises him with a digital recorder, Pernell distracts himself from future uncertainty, and Ms. Harding’s hellish lit lectures, by recording a spoken-word account of “how I went from a three-time summer school clown,/ head in the clouds, a mope,/ to a Summer School Cypher King.” While decompressing in the school cafeteria during breaks between classes, Pernell participates in impromptu rap battles known as cyphers. Then cyphers are shut down by school administrators for becoming “disruptive,” and Pernell is suspended for apparent insubordination, further jeopardizing his fate. Speaking directly to the future (“if you even exist”), Pernell finds his voice and place in the world via a conversational, stream-of-consciousness narrative that blends verse and dialogue. Despite a convenient and somewhat rushed resolution, this YA debut from Goodwin (Your House Is Not Just a House) resonates with a relatable celebration of finding­—and advocating for­—one’s passions and oneself. Ages 12–up. Agent: Brandi Bowles, United Talent Agency. (Oct.)