Brother Hood

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager feels caught between two worlds, struggling to maintain their cultural identity while navigating an elite or unfamiliar social environment. It is a powerful resource for the child who feels like an outsider both at school and at home, providing a mirror for the complex feelings of guilt and isolation that often accompany upward mobility. The story follows Nate Whitely, a talented young man from the Harlem projects who wins a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school. As he moves between the rough streets of his neighborhood and the polished halls of academia, Nate must decide what loyalty truly looks like. It is a realistic, gritty, and ultimately hopeful exploration of self-definition that is perfect for mature middle schoolers and high school students who are beginning to advocate for their own futures.