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Floyd's Baller
Floyd's Baller is a young adult historical fiction novel told through the imagined voice of George Floyd, tracing the real-life journey of his lifelong best friend, Adarryl Hunter.
Set against the social, cultural, and systemic realities of the neighborhoods that shaped them, the story follows Adarryl as he navigates friendship, ambition, temptation, and choice-long before the world knew George Floyd's name. Through their bond, the novel explores coming of age, loyalty, masculinity, grief, and the quiet moments that determine who we become.
This is not a biography of George Floyd. It is a story about the world he and Adarryl came from-and the ripple effects of decisions made under pressure, love, and survival. Written with care and intention, Floyd's Baller restores dignity to a human life often reduced to headlines and invites readers to see beyond the moment that made George Floyd a symbol.
Designed for high school readers and educators, the book offers a powerful entry point for conversations about identity, systemic inequity, personal responsibility, and empathy-without preaching or simplification. While written for young adults, its impact reaches far beyond the classroom, speaking to anyone willing to listen closely.
Set against the social, cultural, and systemic realities of the neighborhoods that shaped them, the story follows Adarryl as he navigates friendship, ambition, temptation, and choice-long before the world knew George Floyd's name. Through their bond, the novel explores coming of age, loyalty, masculinity, grief, and the quiet moments that determine who we become.
This is not a biography of George Floyd. It is a story about the world he and Adarryl came from-and the ripple effects of decisions made under pressure, love, and survival. Written with care and intention, Floyd's Baller restores dignity to a human life often reduced to headlines and invites readers to see beyond the moment that made George Floyd a symbol.
Designed for high school readers and educators, the book offers a powerful entry point for conversations about identity, systemic inequity, personal responsibility, and empathy-without preaching or simplification. While written for young adults, its impact reaches far beyond the classroom, speaking to anyone willing to listen closely.
210 pages, Paperback
Published February 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 27, 2026
Truly inspiring. Floyd's Baller highlights Adarryl's and George's relationship and their navigation through the complex web of the social context of those experiences. Heather is a world class story teller and decoder of the secret life of Black men in America. I bought one copy for myself and now I gift copies to youth, business professionals and community members. It is an essential read and can change the trajectory of your personal legend. Please join me in doing so.
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April 11, 2026This is an important book that middle and high school kids would benefit from reading.
And adults as well.
And adults as well.
May 11, 2026
Written for YA audiences, this book talks about all of the many challenges faced by best friends trying to get out of the game.
I found it interesting, particularly since the story was about friendship told from the voice of George Floyd!
I think it would be a great discussion for young adults and adults.
I found it interesting, particularly since the story was about friendship told from the voice of George Floyd!
I think it would be a great discussion for young adults and adults.
June 19, 2026
Floyd's Baller is a must read. A powerful story that not only highlights struggles resulting from failure of systems and racism,, but also resilience, love, and friendship. Highly recommend!
September 6, 2026
Well-intended, but the writing style failed to do it for me.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews