Tight

Tight
Torrey Maldonado
Nancy Paulsen/Penguin Sept. 2018 180 pages
Grades 5-8
Realistic Fiction

Bryan's social worker mother encourages him to befriend Mike, a boy with a troubled home-life. At first the urban sixth graders seem to have much in common, including comics and drawing. As their friendship deepens Bryan sees another side of Mike, one that doesn't like to share, gets jealous and slightly reckless. When Bryan's dad gets arrested he allows himself to get swept up in Mike's bad choices, including skipping school, throwing rocks off of roofs and illegally (and dangerously) riding the subways. After getting caught for some of his rule-breaking, the boys are forbidden to see each other and Bryan begins hanging out with gentle giant, Big Will, who shares similar interests with less drama and poor decisions. Mike refuses to let go of the friendship and Bryan must decide how to handle the situation without getting in more trouble, while still maintaining street cred.

Maldonado explores important topics such as what it means to be a man, making smart decisions, taking responsibility for your own path, and the complexities of male friendship. Many friendship-drama stories exist for girls, yet very few are out there for boys, who also struggle with navigating this minefield. Bryan is a sensitive boy who wants to be a good kid, yet is surrounded by conflicting messages both in his urban neighborhood and in his own household. Dad is loving, yet lives a less-than-savory lifestyle, and Bryan has to learn that it’s okay to love his father without emulating him. Maldonado offers solid advice for readers facing similar dilemmas and brings to light the foolishness of following friends blindly. Tight has a lot of say, yet does not get bogged does with the message. The book reads quickly, is often written in dialog, and is plot-driven, making it a great choice for reluctant readers. Boys in our country are getting lost and Maldonado has written a book that young men will actually sit down and read, identify with, and be encouraged to follow their own paths, even if it doesn't seem cool or "manly" to our current society.