With piercing insight and humor, Derrick Barnes delivers a fresh, thoughtful look at two very different teen boys thrown together in after-school d...
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reviews
Feb 02, 2011
Angela
rated it: 
I feel like the jacket copy describes a totally different book. This book isn't about the increasing tension between Robeson, Pacino and Tariq - it's far more about Robeson and Pacino learning to respect someone from the other side of the tracks. Tariq's involvement mainly introduces the two boys, and provides a climactic confrontation between the three.
That being said, I found the writing to be awkward and overly didactic. Robeson's and Pacino's conversations don't sound natural - n More...
That being said, I found the writing to be awkward and overly didactic. Robeson's and Pacino's conversations don't sound natural - n More...
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Apr 24, 2011
Karen
rated it:
Two 8th grade African-American boys from very different sides of the track (Robeson and Pacino) become unlikely friends when they bond during after-school suspension because of a common enemy. I was looking forward to this urban school story after hearing it promoted at a conference as short, readable, engaging and having great dialogue. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The underlying messages about getting along with others, appreciating differences and striving for excellence are all grea
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Nov 08, 2010
Diane
rated it: 
Robeson and Pacino are 8th graders spending time in PSS – Post-School Suspension for their misbehavior. Normally they wouldn’t even talk to one another – the prep from the suburbs and the tough guy from the “hood”. United by their need to stay away from and fear of Tariq, the pair become fast friends and find out they have much more in common than the thought.
This is a pretty simple story with some pretty obvious messages, but important ones -- try hard in school, show respect for your More...
This is a pretty simple story with some pretty obvious messages, but important ones -- try hard in school, show respect for your More...
Jul 13, 2011
Lori
rated it:
If only this could happen in real life. Two middle school students meet in after school detention. They go to each other's homes and learn more about each other. One is from a gang infested neighborhood and the other is from a very affluent gated community. My question is how they ended up at the school they are in. Then the dialogue doesn't seem to be something the affluent student would say. Both students are in conflict with a third student and agree to "have each other's backs"
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Jun 03, 2011
Dominic
rated it:
I was hoping for a more complex story and sharper look into young masculinity today, and We Could Be Brothers just wasn't that. It's definitely targeted for a middle school audience (or a little younger), and as a result, it's a bit too "safe" and doesn't tackle big issues (or doesn't examine them far enough).
But considering the audience, I don't begrudge the author or the book. It was a decent story and the dynamics between the teenage boys and the adult BNV group had re More...
But considering the audience, I don't begrudge the author or the book. It was a decent story and the dynamics between the teenage boys and the adult BNV group had re More...
Jan 25, 2011
Chris
rated it:
A heavy-handedly earnest account of eighth graders from a rough neighborhood learning to respect each other and become friends. Robeson's successful family has recently moved to a new development in the bad part of town, and he's doing his best to succeed at his neighborhood middle school. A run-in with the wrong sort has him serving three days after school suspension, where he meets Pacino, who also has a beef with Tariq. Pacino offers his street-wise help, but then surprises Robeson with in
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Aug 28, 2011
Ari
rated it: 
First, based on the cover, I thought the book involve a variety of narrations from Pacino, Robeson and Tariq. It does not. First, Pacino acts all "hard" and then decides to be friends with Robeson. It happens completely out of the blue in my opinion. Robeson has zero personality, he preaches and preaches and preaches but he's believable because I definitely knew annoying know0it-all kids like him when I was in junior high. I'm not so sure the author intended to make him sound so insuff
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May 20, 2010
Clarence :P
rated it: 
I stayed up pretty late reading this one. Enthralling, point making, realistic book sucked me into the vortex of the lives of Robeson and Pacino, two boys holding a grudge against one mean, and perhaps a bit crazy, enemy, Tariq. While their relationship builds, Tariq goes too far.
I enjoyed this very much, I loved how it was set in present day, the discussions and jokes shared between the too boys are witty and lifelike, and how the characters were so well built in such a short space.
I enjoyed this very much, I loved how it was set in present day, the discussions and jokes shared between the too boys are witty and lifelike, and how the characters were so well built in such a short space.
Feb 16, 2011
Maryann
rated it: 
Great addition to my 9th grade African-American book list since it is from a guy's perspective. Two 8th graders meet from opposite sides of the track and discover similarities in their lives. Some violence that I think boys would call action.
Nov 30, 2010
Ed
rated it:
An earnest, inspiring story about middle school boys from disparate backgrounds becoming. A well-crafted novel deftly exploring the theme of "what it means to be a man."
Feb 24, 2011
Liz
rated it:
PREACHY! and unrealistic. This book has a good message, but I don't think that too many middle school students are going to buy into the way it's presented.
Jun 05, 2010
Martha
rated it:
8th grade boys opposite sides of the "tracks" and still the same need to do their best. Don't know how "my kids" will feel about it. Especially the ending.
Oct 28, 2011
Margo
rated it:
Marvelous work. These boys could be any student at Cooper Middle School, and their successes and travails ring true. Part of the book (such as Robeson's home life) ring a bit idealized, but that's easily overcome by all the realism elsewhere. Highly recommended for Read180 students -- boys AND girls!
Jan 09, 2011
Scott
rated it:
This would be a great book for any teen that wants to know that good can come out of anywhere.
I would recommend this to be in any school library.
I would recommend this to be in any school library.
Dec 29, 2010
April
rated it:
Read for KCPL Mock Printz. I think more books for this target audience need to be published. Set in KC great dialog.
Nov 08, 2010
Kali
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I read this cover to cover in about two hours! It is a most spectacular work! I love it!
Dec 30, 2011
Carla
rated it:
This was a wonderfully told story that I would want my nephew to read some day.
Jan 21, 2012
Laura
rated it:
A fairly well written story with a clear message to troubled young men. Themes of pride in oneself, in one's family name and the importance of community run deep. For my kids, this book is more of a window into another world than anything else... but I do not mean to belittle that window. I just don't know that they will identify with the characters/ setting.
Feb 14, 2012
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