"An absolute masterpiece." -Elizabeth Acevedo, New York Times bestselling author of The Poet X
From the first ever poet-in-residence at Lincoln Center comes a bold coming-of-age story told in verse about a young woman who loses a best friend, but finds herself in the process. The joys of basketball, the tumult of high school, and the bonds of family are lyrically woven together in this must-read novel.
With Lay Li I don’t have to think too hardI’m the friend of the star& I don’t mind, not at allIt gives me time to think about my dreams & the WNBABut when I call Lay Li & she don’t pick upA pit in my stomach grows like a redwood tree Sky is used to standing in the shadow of her best friend. Lay Li is the sun everyone orbits around. But since high school started, Lay Li has begun attracting the attention of boys, and Sky is left out in the cold. The only place Sky can find her footing is on the basketball court. With each dribble of the ball, Sky begins to find her own rhythm. Lay Li may always be the sun, but that doesn’t mean Sky can’t shine on her own.
With gritty and heartbreaking honesty, a critically acclaimed poet, delivers her first novel in verse about broken promises, fast rumors, and learning to generate your own light.
“A story about heart and backbone, and one only Mahogany L. Browne could bring forth.” –Jason Reynolds, #1
New York Times bestselling author of
Long Way Down
A novel-in-verse about a young girl coming-of-age and stepping out of the shadow of her former best friend. Perfect for readers of Elizabeth Acevedo and Nikki Grimes.
She looks me hard in my eyes
& my knees lock into tree trunks
My eyes don't dance like my heartbeat racing
They stare straight back hot daggers.
I remember things will never be the same.
I remember things.
With gritty and heartbreaking honesty, Mahogany L. Browne delivers a novel-in-verse about broken promises, fast rumors, and when growing up means growing apart from your best friend.
"A profound reminder that sometimes the most revolutionary thing a girl can be is herself.
I couldn't put it down."
—Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin"
A story about heart and backbone, and one only Mahogany L. Browne could bring forth." —
Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Long Way Down
"Browne’s
searing and poignant writing will undoubtedly bring readers back to her stories again and again."
—Renée Watson, New York Times bestselling author"
A searing voice that commands attention."
—Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of the Belles series
"
Chlorine Sky is a vivid literary balm that animates the English language with
rhythm, heart, and radical truth telling love." —Aja Monet, Nuyorican Poets Café Grand Slam Champion"A remarkable, compelling voice." —The Bulletin, Starred Review
"A coming-of-age novel for Black girls who have been told they’re too much and yet never enough."
—Kirkus Reviews 
