The Problem with the Other Side

Kwame Ivery

ISBN: 9781641292054

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Hardcover $18.99

eBook $10.99

Kwame Ivery

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A searing YA debut that follows the joys, complexities, and heartbreaks of an interracial romance between high school sophomores that blossoms during a volatile school election

Uly would rather watch old Westerns with his new girlfriend, Sallie, than get involved in his school's politics—why focus on the “bad” and ...

A searing YA debut that follows the joys, complexities, and heartbreaks of an interracial romance between high school sophomores that blossoms during a volatile school election

Uly would rather watch old Westerns with his new girlfriend, Sallie, than get involved in his school’s politics—why focus on the “bad” and “ugly” when his days with Sallie are so good? His older sister Regina feels differently. She is fed up with the way white school-body presidential candidate Leona Walls talks about Black students. Regina decides to run against Leona . . . and convinces Uly to be her campaign manager.

Sallie has no interest in managing her sister’s campaign, but how could she say no? After their parents’ death, Leona is practically her only family. Even after Leona is accused of running a racist campaign that targets the school’s students of color—including Sallie’s boyfriend, Uly—Sallie wants to give her sister the benefit of the doubt. But how long can she ignore the ugly truth behind Leona’s actions?

Together and apart, Uly and Sallie must navigate sibling loyalty and romantic love as the campaign spirals toward a devastating conclusion.

CW: Acts of racism and bigotry, racist language, and gun violence are portrayed in this novel.

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“By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, The Problem with the Other Side had me hooked from the delightful opening scene . . . Told from two alternating points of view, Kwame Ivery's book features characters whose voices are so clear and real that I felt as if they were sitting right beside me telling me their stories. The romance is deliciously sweet, even as it begins to grow complicated under a close examination of racism, white privilege, and bigotry. A masterful work of humor, heart, and human connection.”
—Alyssa Wees, author of The Waking Forest
“Kwame Ivery has written a powerful allegory of American politics that offers way more healing than we deserve but exactly as much healing as we need.”
—Preston Norton, author of Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe
“Filled with heart and humor, Uly and Sallie's story is an important one. The Problem with the Other Side tackles first love, high school politics, and how racism is everywhere. In between Uly and Sallie's banter, we explore their relationships: with each other, with their families, and with themselves. Fans of Nicola Yoon and Nic Stone will enjoy this one.”
—Rachel Simon, Youth Services Librarian, Newton Free Library (Newton, MA)