58 pages 1 hour read

Colson Whitehead

The Nickel Boys

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead follows Elwood Curtis, a young Black teenager in Florida during the Civil Rights era, who is sentenced to Nickel Academy after being wrongfully implicated in a crime. Elwood befriends Turner, and they navigate the reform school's harsh and abusive environment, while Elwood's ideals and sense of justice propel him to take action against the corruption and brutality he witnesses.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Colson Whitehead's The Nickel Boys masterfully blends historical fiction with a harrowing tale of abuse at a reform school. Reviewers praise its powerful storytelling and historical relevance. However, some criticize its pacing and predictability. Despite minor flaws, it remains a compelling and poignant read that sheds light on systemic injustices.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Nickel Boys?

Readers who appreciate the gripping historical narratives and profound social critiques in The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead would enjoy works like The Underground Railroad by the same author and Beloved by Toni Morrison. Ideal for those interested in exploring injustices in America’s past through compelling storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

HL940L

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Identity: Race

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

African American Literature

Topics

Civil Rights / Jim Crow

Education

Incarceration