Facing the Rising Son

Fans of Jason Reynolds’ As Brave as You and Kwame Alexander’s Solo will love this debut YA coming-of-age novel in verse that explores race in America, family relationships, and the deep meaning of living up to a generational legacy.

Fifteen-year-old Roosevelt “Rose” Newman III just wants to be his own man, but as the grandson of a slain Civil Rights activist, that’s nearly impossible. Rose never even met his grandfather, but that doesn’t keep the man’s shadow from looming large. Rose often escapes into the world of art, but when a teacher makes a racist comment in class, Rose uses his graffiti to retaliate. He’s thrust into the limelight . . . and into trouble both at school and at home with his high-achieving family.

Leaving his friends and crush was not part of Rose’s summer plans, but his dad insists they head to Alabama for a celebration honoring his late grandfather. Time spent in the South with his close-knit extended family defies his expectations—and raises some questions. Photos, cousins, and cryptic statements from an aging great uncle reveal that Rose may be like his grandfather in far more than name.

As he attempts to uncover facts, win his father’s favor, and understand the mystery of his family history, will Rose finally make his legacy his own, or crumble under the weight of it? Award-winning author Kelly J. Baptist blends heritage and heart to bring her debut YA novel to life.

Perfect for a Younger YA Audience: Though this is a teen story, thanks to the verse format and the strong voice, it would also appeal to 7th and 8th graders.Give this to Reluctant Readers: Pair the accessible format with the gripping subject matter and the dynamic voice found in Facing the Rising Son, and you’ve got a recipe for capturing any readers’ attention.Evocative Novel in Verse: Facing the Rising Son will sit perfectly on shelves next to Rain Rising by Courtne Comrie, Remember Us by Jacqueline Woodson, and How the Boogeyman Became A Poet by Tony Keith Jr. as well as books by Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, and Lamar Giles.