“Rich, nuanced. The use of magical realism brings depth and an intriguing strangeness to the sharp-eyed observations of Harlem street life.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“A didn’t-see-that-coming ending wraps up the story on a note of well-earned hope and will leave readers with plenty to think about.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Drugs, drive-by shootings, gang warfare, wasted lives—Myers has written about all these subjects with nuanced understanding and a hard-won, qualified sense of hope.” — New York Times
“Characters have vivid page presence.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Readers might be moved to consider what they’d do in their own lives if they could start with a clean slate.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Myers’ narrative strategy is so inherently dramatic that it captures his readers’ attentions and imaginations, inviting not only empathy but also thoughtful discussion.” — ALA Booklist