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45 pages 1 hour read

Mary Rand Hess, Kwame Alexander

Solo

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | YA | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Solo by Mary Rand Hess and Kwame Alexander, 17-year-old Blade Morrison, the adopted son of a former rock star, embarks on a journey to discover the truth of his parentage and to mend his fractured relationships, ultimately finding his biological mother in Ghana and reconciling with his adoptive father amidst a backdrop of personal and familial struggles.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Hess and Alexander's Solo intertwines verse and music to explore complex family dynamics and self-discovery. The poetic format garners praise for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. However, some critics find the narrative's pacing uneven and the character development occasionally lacking. Overall, it's a heartfelt, resonant read that engages teens effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Solo?

A reader who would enjoy Solo by Mary Rand Hess and Kwame Alexander is likely a young adult looking for a profound, lyrical exploration of identity, family, and music. Fans of books like The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds will appreciate the verse narrative and emotional depth.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Lexile Level

HL640L