An Evocative YA Novel

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Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is one of the best books of 2021, and is one of the best books I've ever read. Chiamaka is a teen who is queer and Nigerian and Italian, and Devon is a teen who is Black and American. Both are seniors in high school who are both trying to get out of their senior year: Chiamaka is aiming to apply to Yale and Devon is a musician.

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé writes about racism in high schols and how it permeates all aspects of society. Both Chiamaka and Devon end up working together after being targeted by Aces. In the story, they learn that Aces is a part of a bigger, racist scheme.

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is one of my new favorite authors. This book will force non Black people to take a look at how they play a role in racism. The mystery in this book is intriguing and kept me up at night, causing me to finish Ace of Spades in one sitting. Please look at Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé's website for the content warnings.