96 pages • 3 hours read
Matthew QuickBoy21
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Boy21 by Matthew Quick tells the story of Finley McManus, the only white student on his high school’s varsity basketball team, who meets a new student, Russ (Boy21), an intelligent basketball prodigy whose parents were recently murdered. Their friendship grows amid personal trauma and societal violence, leading Finley to re-evaluate his priorities and relationships. The novel deals with violence and racism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Matthew Quick's Boy21 is a compelling, multilayered novel that explores themes of grief, friendship, and redemption. Praised for its authentic characters and emotional depth, the book effectively captures the struggles and growth of its protagonists. Some critics note moments of predictability, but the overall narrative remains engaging and heartfelt.
Who Should Read Boy21?
Readers who enjoy Boy21 by Matthew Quick usually appreciate young adult novels that blend sports, personal growth, and friendship. This book will appeal to fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Looking for Alaska, due to its focus on overcoming obstacles, deep character relationships, and themes of resilience and identity.