{"product_id":"swing","title":"Swing","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eIn the YA novel Swing, best friends Noah and Walt strive to leave their geek days behind and find \"cool,\" but they discover the importance of first loves, friendship, and embracing life. They also become aware of the social tensions in their community, including racial prejudice and Black Lives Matter. The book features original artwork and tackles important social issues, making it a great choice for classroom discussions or community-wide readings. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 448 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 31 October 2019\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: HarperCollins Focus\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess,  the authors of the well-received YA novel in verse Solo, have created another captivating story in Swing. Kirkus, in a starred review, praised the book for its lively, moving, and heartfelt nature. Noah and Walt, two young individuals seeking to leave their geek days behind and embrace a sense of coolness, embark on a journey that uncovers profound insights into first loves, friendship, and embracing life. Along the way, they also discover the significance of Black Lives Matter, a topic that holds immense importance for everyone.  Best friends Noah and Walt may not be the most popular in their school, but Walt is determined to make junior year their breakthrough year. He has a grand plan that involves wooing the girls of their dreams and becoming accomplished athletes. Despite their repeated failures to make the baseball team and Noah's long-standing crush on Sam, who has placed him firmly in the friend zone, Walt remains unwavering in his pursuit of his goals. While Walt immerses himself in jazz, podcasts, batting cages, and a \"Hug Life\" mentality, Noah feels stuck in a routine, longing for something more. One day, Noah stumbles upon a stash of old love letters, each containing words that Noah has always wanted to say to Sam. Inspired by these heartfelt messages, Noah begins secretly creating artwork using the lines that speak to his heart. However, when his art becomes public, Noah faces a crucial decision: should he continue his life in the dugout, potentially losing Sam forever, or take a chance and speak out?  Simultaneously, American flags are being left around town, sparking various interpretations and reactions. While some view it as a harmless prank, others perceive it as a form of protest. Noah cannot shake the sense that something more significant is unfolding in his community. He witnesses events that highlight divisions and prejudices that run deeper than he had previously imagined. As the personal and social tensions escalate around them, Noah and Walt are compelled to confront the core values that guide their decisions regarding love, friendship, sacrifice, and fate.  Swing is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of adolescence, societal issues, and the pursuit of personal growth. With its engaging verse format, Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess have once again delivered a story that resonates with readers of all ages. This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted narratives, meaningful themes, and characters that leave a lasting impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 356g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 212 x 138 x 28 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780310761945\\n                            \\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kwame Alexander,Mary Rand Hess","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44098151776506,"sku":"9780310761945","price":8.11,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/91f43a3ea51d49a76e9912d951bcbbbd.jpg?v=1627354366","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/swing","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}