Solo

Mary Rand Hess, Kwame Alexander
43 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel/Book in Verse
YA
Published in 2017

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Book Brief

Mary Rand Hess, Kwame Alexander

Solo

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | YA | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

458

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Coming of Age

•

Prose
Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Apathy

•

Conflict
Topic
Addiction & Substance Abuse

•

Music
First Publication Year

2017

Publisher

Blink

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL640L

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Super Short Summary

In Solo by Mary Rand Hess and Kwame Alexander, 17-year-old Blade Morrison, the adopted son of a former rock star, embarks on a journey to discover the truth of his parentage and to mend his fractured relationships, ultimately finding his biological mother in Ghana and reconciling with his adoptive father amidst a backdrop of personal and familial struggles.

Emotional

Inspirational

Contemplative

Heartwarming

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

14,565 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Hess and Alexander's Solo intertwines verse and music to explore complex family dynamics and self-discovery. The poetic format garners praise for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. However, some critics find the narrative's pacing uneven and the character development occasionally lacking. Overall, it's a heartfelt, resonant read that engages teens effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Solo?

A reader who would enjoy Solo by Mary Rand Hess and Kwame Alexander is likely a young adult looking for a profound, lyrical exploration of identity, family, and music. Fans of books like The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds will appreciate the verse narrative and emotional depth.

4.0

14,565 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

A 17-year-old aspiring musician with a love of poetry and guitar, living in Hollywood with his rock star father and facing family and personal challenges as he approaches high school graduation.

A well-known rock musician struggling with substance abuse, who tries to balance his chaotic lifestyle with being a father to Blade and his sister, Storm, while coping with the death of his wife.

Blade's late adoptive mother, remembered fondly for her joyful love and nurturing support of his musical pursuits, whose memory continues to be a guiding force in Blade's life.

Blade's older sister and a budding musician herself, who maintains a close relationship with Blade and tries to navigate her own ambitions while understanding their father's struggles.

Blade's high school girlfriend, characterized by her privileged lifestyle and materialistic expectations, whose relationship with Blade faces complications.

A teenager Blade meets in Ghana, known for her intelligence, kindness, and humor, who becomes an important part of his journey and influences his perceptions and relationships.

A spirited five-year-old orphan in the village of Konko, known for her cheerful demeanor and instant bond with Blade, representing innocence and community.

Blade's biological mother from Louisiana, who moved to Africa for a teaching mission and serves as a key figure in Blade's quest for identity and belonging.

Book Details
Pages

458

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Coming of Age

•

Prose
Setting

Los Angeles, California • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Apathy

•

Conflict
Topic
Addiction & Substance Abuse

•

Music
First Publication Year

2017

Publisher

Blink

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

HL640L

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