Play the Game
Will be published approx. on 16. March 2023
Book
Hardback
304 pages
978-0-06-321279-4 (ISBN)
Description
From debut author Charlene Allen comes a captivating YA contemporary mystery and coming-of-age story, celebrating the power of friendship, first love, and exploring the criminal justice system from the lens of restorative justice. Perfect for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, and Maureen Johnson.
In the game of life, sometimes other people hold all the controls. Or so it seems to VZ. Four months have passed since his best friend Ed was killed by a white man in a Brooklyn parking lot.
When Singer, the man who killed Ed, is found dead in the same spot where Ed was murdered, all signs point to Jack, VZ's other best friend, as the prime suspect.
VZ's determined to complete the video game Ed never finished and figure out who actually killed Singer. With help from Diamond, the girl he's crushing on at work, VZ falls into Ed's quirky gameiverse. As the police close in on Jack, the game starts to uncover details that could lead to the truth about the murder.
Can VZ honor Ed and help Jack before it's too late?
In the game of life, sometimes other people hold all the controls. Or so it seems to VZ. Four months have passed since his best friend Ed was killed by a white man in a Brooklyn parking lot.
When Singer, the man who killed Ed, is found dead in the same spot where Ed was murdered, all signs point to Jack, VZ's other best friend, as the prime suspect.
VZ's determined to complete the video game Ed never finished and figure out who actually killed Singer. With help from Diamond, the girl he's crushing on at work, VZ falls into Ed's quirky gameiverse. As the police close in on Jack, the game starts to uncover details that could lead to the truth about the murder.
Can VZ honor Ed and help Jack before it's too late?
Reviews / Votes
"A compelling look at different ways of approaching grief and justice." - Kirkus Reviews"Powerful. Authentic. A riveting gut punch. This is how you galvanize young activists. A voice not soon to be forgotten." - Tiffany D. Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of The Weight of Blood
"Honest, raw, and absolutely alive. Play the Game is a tour de force, and Charlene Allen has announced herself as a powerful new voice." - Matt de la Pena, author of Mexican WhiteBoy and Last Stop on Market Street
"Fast-paced, insightful, and highly relevant, Allen's novel illustrates the application of restorative justice practices to real life situations. A must read for all young people impacted by racism and those adults who love them."
- Angela Y. Davis, Distinguished Professor Emerita, UC Santa Cruz
"Compelling story." - Booklist
"Teens will find VZ's story a rewarding read with undeniably difficult lessons to teach." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Target group
Young adult
US School Grade: Eighth Grade and over, Interest Age: From 13 to 99 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 213 mm
Width: 137 mm
Thickness: 33 mm
Weight
399 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-321279-4 (9780063212794)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Charlene Allen works with community organizations to heal trauma and fight injustice, especially the beast called mass incarceration. She received her MFA from the New School, her JD from Northeastern University, and her BA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She lives in Brooklyn with her fabulous family and their very silly dog. Play the Game was her first novel. You can visit her at charleneallen.com.