Stephen loves to be compared to Stephen Curry and Black Panther. He loves comics and hanging with his friends. At the moment Stephen's closest friends are white, but that doesn't really matter. Wes is black, but they haven't been hanging out lately.
What Stephen is discovering is that not everyone is in the same "lane." A few of his friends seem to be pushing the boundaries. He isn't sure about things the night they suggest breaking into an abandoned factory. He reluctantly joins them, and soon realizes the dangerous situation they face. One wrong move and someone could have been hurt. But, when everyone is doing it, it is difficult to turn away.
On a trip to the high school, Stephen has his eyes opened to young black kids shot and killed by police. He begins to connect his What Lane? philosophy with Black Lives Matters. Talking with his parents gives him two perspectives since his mother is white and his father is black. Is Stephen ready to deal with these tough topics? Is he ready to make tough decisions about who his real friends are and who he needs to steer clear of?
WHAT LANE? by Torrey Maldonado is the perfect quick-read for middle grade readers looking for a story relating to Black Lives Matter and current racial events. At just over 100 pages, WHAT LANE? works as a read-aloud that is sure to stimulate productive discussions.
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