45 pages • 1 hour read
Mary Rand Hess, Kwame AlexanderSolo
Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | YA | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Solo by Mary Rand Hess and Kwame Alexander, 17-year-old Blade Morrison, the adopted son of a former rock star, embarks on a journey to discover the truth of his parentage and to mend his fractured relationships, ultimately finding his biological mother in Ghana and reconciling with his adoptive father amidst a backdrop of personal and familial struggles.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Hess and Alexander's Solo intertwines verse and music to explore complex family dynamics and self-discovery. The poetic format garners praise for its emotional depth and lyrical beauty. However, some critics find the narrative's pacing uneven and the character development occasionally lacking. Overall, it's a heartfelt, resonant read that engages teens effectively.
Who Should Read Solo?
A reader who would enjoy Solo by Mary Rand Hess and Kwame Alexander is likely a young adult looking for a profound, lyrical exploration of identity, family, and music. Fans of books like The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo and Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds will appreciate the verse narrative and emotional depth.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
HL640LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Prose poetry
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Music
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Apathy
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict