An earnest, inspiring story about middle school boys from disparate backgrounds becoming. A well-crafted novel deftly exploring the theme of "what it means to be a man." ( )

Book talk: Here's what Robeson and Pacino have in common: They are African-American, age 13, attend Alain Locke Middle School in Kansas City, Missouri, they were both involved in two unrelated incidents with the same person (Tariq Molten, the well-known menace of Alain Locke Middle), and both are serving a three day stint in after school suspension. Beyond all of that, Robeson and Pacino come from two totally different worlds.
Robeson Battlefield is from a two parent household, where both parents are highly successful and educated. Academic achievement, social consciousness and responsibility are reinforced daily in the Battlefield household.
Pacino Clapton comes from a single parent household; his mom works two full time jobs. Pacino has a ton of responsibilities, like taking care of his twin five-year-old sisters and a side hustle cutting hair to help pay bills, and he has a reputation to uphold with his boys.
During this three day span, Robeson and Pacino get a glimpse into each others lives, visiting each others homes and "chopping it up" on a wide variety of topics: respect of self and Black women, the dire state of hip-hop music, the use of the dreaded "N" word, and what it means to be masculine.
But at school, Robeson is facing increasing threats from Tariq with back-up from his fellow thugs. Though Pacino promises he can handle Tariq, he can't be everywhere to protect Robeson. Sooner or later, the three will collide and lives will be forever changed. ( )