Book description
The powerful and timely YA novel debut from two-time New York Times best-selling author Frederick Joseph is a deeply heartfelt story—and a rallying cry against book banning.In an instant, Ossie Brown’s entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossie—a Black teen who doesn’t come from wealth and privilege—must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors he’s now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program. Everything changes when some students’ viral “anti-woke” video puts the teacher’s job, the writing program, and even Ossie’s friends’ safety at risk—and Ossie must find his true voice. This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.
About the Author
Frederick Joseph is a Yonkers, New York-raised two-time New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. His books include the poetry collection We Alive, Beloved; the nonfiction works Patriarchy Blues, The Black Friend, and Better Than We Found It, co-written with Porsche Joseph; the picture book Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream, illustrated by Nikkolas Smith; and the forthcoming YA novel This Thing of Ours. He was recognized with a 2021 International Literacy Association Young Adult Book Award, was named to the 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list for marketing and advertising, and is an activist, philanthropist, and poet. Frederick Joseph was also honored with a 2023 Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award and the 2018 Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, and he was selected for the 2018 Root 100, a list of the most influential African Americans.
Fuzzy Logic Hottie
ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
Voluntary
ListenBook's library organization and book groups have made managing my audiobooks a breeze. ListenBook's sleek design and easy chapter access make navigation a breeze. 📚 Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! 📺🎧 Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
RawSkills
With features like auto-rewind, I never lose my place when I pause listening. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
Charms
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. 🎉 This app has ignited my passion for reading – I can't get enough of its convenience! 📚🔥 Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Electric Saturn
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my library look organized and professional. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
QuestQuill
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. Supports artwork and metadata perfectly. My library looks great! The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Onion King
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. The app is perfect for multitasking. I can listen while doing other things.
Breadmaker
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Wrangler Jim
I'm enjoying books I never thought I'd be interested in – all thanks to this app. ListenBook has given me a renewed appreciation for audio content – it's my new favorite app. This app's sleek design and intuitive navigation have made audiobook listening a seamless experience. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
WordWanderer
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 🎉 Finding the perfect audiobook is a breeze with this app's robust search and recommendation features. My reading list has never been better! 📚💫 ListenBook's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically adds a visual touch to my audiobook collection. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference.
Trash Sling
ListenBook has brought the joy of audiobooks back into my life in a whole new way. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect.
Gingersnap Woman
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. As someone who listens to audiobooks daily, I can confidently say ListenBook is the best player out there. The sleep timer and auto-rewind features are lifesavers, and the sound quality is exceptional. Thank you for such a great app! This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Club Nola
Effortlessly exploring audiobook worlds – this app's functionality is genius. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun way to inspire others to read. Supports a wide range of formats flawlessly. Very happy with it. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Plenty Orange
The ListenBook app has made my daily routines more enriching, allowing me to learn while on the go. This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way.
Sherwood Gladiator
Audiobook immersion made simple – this app's ease of use is commendable. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate customized listening sessions, whether for study, relaxation, or entertainment. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly.
RiddleRover
This app is like a personal audiobook concierge! The ability to download and organize audio files effortlessly is a game-changer for my reading routine. 📱📖 Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
Natural Gold
ListenBook's dedication to excellence is evident in its well-designed interface, smooth playback, and powerful features. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. I can't stop raving about this app – it's like having a personal library in my pocket. ListenBook has become my trusted companion for literary adventures. The app's features are exceptional. ListenBook is fantastic! Supports every audiobook format I have. Super convenient!
Romance Princess
I'm hooked on this app's curated content – it's like having a personal librarian. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. I love how I can create playlists. It’s perfect for organizing my books.
Redneck Giorgio
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. The sound quality is outstanding – it's like having a movie theater in my ears! The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver!
High Heel Goddess
🌟 Adding excitement to each day – this app ensures that every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories. 📚🚀 ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience