PRAISE FOR TORREY MALDONADO

TIGHT

• Christopher Award

• Washington Post Best Children’s Books of 2018

• ALA Notable

• ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers

• CCBC Choices 2019

• ALSC Notable Children’s Recordings

“I was riveted by Bryan’s journey, breaking down stereotypes and becoming his own kind of superhero. This, in and of itself, is not only Bryan’s superpower but Maldonado’s as well. Loved this book!”

—JACQUELINE WOODSON, National Book Award–winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming

“Tight hits all the right notes in delivering a suspenseful tale of what it means to become a man in a world split by superhero devotion and macho swagger. A thoughtful look into the pitfalls of male friendship and a riveting addition to tween lit.”

—G. NERI, Coretta Scott King Honor–winning author of Yummy

“Looking for a tale of a good kid trying to navigate the dark temptations that can only come from a one-sided friendship? Seek ye no further. This is a book featuring a complexity of character we’re lucky to find in a 21st century middle grade novel. Torrey Maldonado hits this one out of the park.”

—BETSY BIRD, A Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal

“[Maldonado] excels at depicting realistic and authentic interactions between middle school boys. An excellent addition to libraries with fans of David Barclay Moore’s The Stars Beneath Our Feet, Jason Reynolds’s Ghost, and character-driven realistic fiction.”

—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, starred review

“Through Bryan’s believable, emotionally honest first-person narration, Maldonado skillfully shows a boy trying to navigate parental desires and the societal expectations of his Brooklyn neighborhood while trying to figure himself out. Readers will be rooting for Bryan to make the right choices even as they understand the wrong ones.”

—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Maldonado’s novel quietly interrogates toxic masculinity in a story that will resonate with middle-grade readers who, just like Bryan, are questioning who they are, who they want to be friends with, and how those choices will impact their lives.”

—BOOKLIST

“The author shrewdly builds suspense, fueling readers’ dread that Bryan’s poor choices will have dire consequences. . . . This is a psychologically intricate story of the challenges and rewards of family, friendship, and discerning one’s true self.”

—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“A book about making good choices and knowing who your real friends are, topics that are relatable to nearly everyone. . . . It is an engaging story and readers will find themselves rooting for Bryan.”

—SCHOOL LIBRARY CONNECTION

SECRET SATURDAYS

•ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers

“The world these boys live in is all too real. Torrey Maldonado writes with insight and authenticity about friendship and tough choices. It’s a story you won’t forget.”

—COE BOOTH, Los Angeles Times Book Prize–winning author of Tyrell

“Torrey Maldonado sticks his finger in an all too familiar hole of a brokenhearted urban community. Playground tough with a sweet center.”

—RITA WILLIAMS-GARCIA, Newbery Honor–winning author of One Crazy Summer

“Ought to be required reading at middle schools everywhere. Maldonado gives us both voice and heart. His young characters navigate a challenging world with endearing earnestness, lively style, and a heartening desire for true dignity.”

—E. R. FRANK, award–winning author of Life Is Funny

“Explores inner-city life for a middle school audience with sympathy and humor . . . readers will find both insight and hope.”

—THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S BOOKS

“Notable for its viscerally authentic treatment of setting . . . infectiously readable, and its characters are sympathetically realized.”

—BOOKLIST

“Resonates with the authenticity of a preteen doing his best in an urban landscape that has taught him all he knows.”

—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“A story of friendship, survival, deception and relationships . . . a fast read, entertaining and high interest.”

—LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION