
Reach for this book when your child is processing a school conflict or struggling with the shame that follows a lapse in judgment. Eb and Flow is a dual perspective novel in verse that explores the aftermath of a playground fight through the eyes of both participants. It moves beyond simple blame to examine the messy, human reasons why kids lash out, focusing on the ten-day suspension that gives both characters space to reflect. For parents of middle grade readers, this is a vital tool for teaching that one bad choice does not define a person. It models the difficult work of self-reflection and the bravery required to offer a genuine apology, making it an excellent choice for fostering emotional intelligence and perspective-taking.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with physical aggression and bullying in a secular, highly realistic way. It explores the impact of incarceration (Flow's father) and the stress of single-parent households. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in reality, emphasizing personal growth over easy fixes.
A 10-year-old who has recently been in trouble at school and feels like the 'bad kid.' It is perfect for children who struggle to see things from another person's point of view.
Read cold. The verse format makes it very accessible, but parents may want to discuss the mentions of Flow's father being in prison to provide context for his anger. A parent might see their child come home with a suspension notice or witness a harsh verbal or physical blowout between peers.
Younger readers (ages 8-9) will focus on the 'fairness' of the suspension and the action of the fight. Older readers (11-12) will better grasp the nuance of the internal monologues and the socioeconomic pressures affecting the characters.
Unlike many books about school conflict that pick a side, Baptist gives equal weight and empathy to both the 'aggressor' and the 'victim,' showing that these labels are often interchangeable and oversimplified.
Eb (Ebony) and Flow (De'Andre) are two classmates who get into a physical altercation at school, resulting in a ten-day suspension for both. The story is told in alternating verse chapters, following their separate lives during those ten days at home. As they navigate their respective family dynamics and personal frustrations, they both begin to process what led to the fight and how they want to move forward when they return to school.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.