Solo
#1 of 2 in The Crossover Series
on Goodreads (13,375)
What’s inside...
Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess is a New York Times bestseller! The story follows Blade Morrison, a young Black man and the son of a washed-up rock star, as he navigates the complexities of identity, family secrets, and self-discovery. The novel is written in poetic verse and takes readers on a journey from heartache to healing, capturing the struggles and triumphs of Blade’s search for answers about his life. Along the way, Blade discovers a deeply protected family secret that changes everything he thought he knew, leading him on a quest to Ghana where he finds friendship, community, and reconciliation. Solo, with its signature intricacy and poetic style, explores what it means to finally come home.
Character compass
Blade Morrison
Sia
Chapel
Storm Morrison
Rutherford Morrison
Discussion points
How do you think Blade felt when he discovered the truth about his family's past?
What do you think the author wants us to learn about forgiveness and understanding from Solo?
If you were in Blade's shoes, how would you handle the challenges he faced?
How can music influence our feelings and decisions like it does for Blade?
What does this story teach us about the importance of self-discovery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about Blade's journey.
Relate discussion points to personal experiences or family stories to make connections more tangible.
Discuss the influence of music in the book, and perhaps share how music impacts your own life to deepen the connection.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters develop through the story, and what lessons they might take away for their own life challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-discovery
Explanation: In 'Solo', the protagonist embarks on a journey that leads to self-discovery, exploring his identity beyond his family and fame.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery, understanding their unique qualities and values.
Example Lesson: Dealing with family complexities
Explanation: The book addresses issues like parental expectations and complicated family dynamics, providing a nuanced perspective on family relationships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to navigate their own family relationships with empathy and resilience, understanding that all families have their challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of music
Explanation: Music is a central theme in 'Solo', used as a means for the main character to express himself and cope with his life’s ups and downs.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore creative outlets like music to express their feelings and cope with life’s challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces various personal challenges but learns the importance of resilience throughout his journey.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to remain resilient and hopeful regardless of the obstacles they encounter.
Example Lesson: Understanding and forgiveness
Explanation: The story teaches the value of forgiveness, both of others and oneself, as the protagonist learns to come to terms with his past.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of forgiveness, which can lead to healthier relationships and personal peace.