Set amid the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, this National Book Awards-finalist author explores being young and Black in America as Onyx, a boy dealing with his mothers descent into early-onset dementia, looks to fulfill his dream of becoming an astronaut. Simultaneous eBook. 100,000 first printing.
Set against the turbulence of the Civil Rights Movement, twelve-year-old Onyx dreams of becoming an astronaut as he navigates his mother's early-onset dementia and avoids foster care.
Award-winning author Amber McBride explores being young and Black in America in this middle-grade novel about a boy dealing with his mother's descent into early-onset dementia, set amid the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.
Praised as "a story of perserverance and love" in a starred review by Kirkus, here is a story about keeping dreams alive.
Onyx lives with his mother, who is showing signs of early-onset dementia. He doesn't want to bring attention to his home -- if Child Protective Services finds out, they'll put him into foster care.
As he's trying to keep his life together, the Civil Rights Movement is accelerating. Is there anywhere that's safe for a young Black boy? Maybe, if only Onyx can fulfill his dream of becoming an astronaut and exploring space, where none of these challenges will follow him. In the meantime, Onyx can dream. And try to get his mom the help she needs.
Based on her own father's story of growing up in the 1960s and facing the same challenge with his own mother, award winner Amber McBride delivers another affecting depiction of being young and Black in America.
