Boy 2.0

"A thrilling superhero origin story....  Friendships new and old bring the perfect amount of ­levity and humor to a highly suspenseful story. Although this is a superhero tale, ­Baptiste beautifully weaves in a variety of significant topics like racial justice, science, and mindfulness... hopefully the origin story here paves the way for future adventures. 
VERDICT This is sure to be a hit with fans of the X-Men franchise, but ­Baptiste’s inclusion of real-world topics is the story’s true superpower."

“A Black boy has no reason to trust anyone and a lot to learn about himself…. The novel thoughtfully illustrates some of the harsh realities of being a uniquely vulnerable, dark-skinned boy in a world that refuses to see you and the resulting anxiety that can occur. Luckily Coal is surrounded by people who give him the support he needs in ways that are heartwarming and impressive, and they ultimately lead to a positive place. An experiment in grace and care that’s as hopeful as it is imaginative.”
 

"Baptiste combines common issues of identity and finding a home with an sf spin, ultimately presenting an absorbing plot. Her characters are thoughtfully multidimensional, from Coal to his supportive foster family to Door, the good-natured and irrepressibly funny best friend. Baptiste neatly contrasts Coal’s sense of social invisibility to his actual invisibility, all of which leads him to finding his place in the world."

I'm honestly not sure how Baptiste spun biology, anthropology, chemistry, politics, and foster care into a suspenseful romp about family and the extraordinary nature of ordinary people, but she did. And it's masterful. Is Boy 2.0 the origin story of our new favorite superhero? Or a metaphoric nod to the lives of everyday Black boys in America? Or...both? Either way, this is a special, special read.

Tracey Baptiste blends heart wrenching realism with unpredictable science fiction, to create an unputdownable tale about a boy’s quest to find the truth about his family and his power. Baptiste cleverly tackles real-world issues in a story filled with easter eggs and plot twists that are sobering, eye-opening, and downright irresistible.

Captivating. Innovative. Original. Perfection. Tracey Baptiste is a masterful storyteller. Once again she's given us compelling characters and an unforgettable story about the magic and miracle of family, friendship and legacy. 

Propulsive and dazzling from the very first page, Boy 2.0 is as ingenious as it is impossible to put down. An astonishing book.