Tyler Johnson Was Here
What’s inside...
A young man searches for answers after the death of his brother at the hands of police in this striking debut novel, for readers of The Hate U Give. When Marvin Johnson's twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid. The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it's up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean. Tyler Johnson Was Here is a powerful and moving portrait of youth and family that speaks to the serious issues of today--from gun control to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Marvin's journey throughout the book make you feel, and why do you think his feelings changed?
What are the main themes of the book, and how do they relate to real-world issues?
How do the characters in the story show resilience and courage in facing their challenges?
What did you learn about friendship and brotherhood from Marvin and Tyler's relationship?
If you could give advice to Marvin at any point in the story, what would you say and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, validating their emotions and thoughts.
Discuss the social and racial issues presented in the book, connecting them to current events to enhance understanding and relevance.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences to the characters’ situations, deepening their connection to the story.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what they would have done differently if they were in Marvin’s shoes.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing the perspectives of different characters and how they contribute to the story’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The impact of racism and social justice
Explanation: Through the protagonist's experiences, the book explores systemic issues and personal loss caused by racial injustice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize inequality and foster empathy towards others' struggles, prompting discussions on fairness and justice in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of community and activism
Explanation: The protagonist and his community come together to protest and seek justice, highlighting the strength of collective action.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to understand the importance of community involvement and how coming together can drive positive change.
Example Lesson: Coping with grief and loss
Explanation: The emotional journey of dealing with the loss of a loved one is poignantly depicted as the protagonist navigates his pain.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that grief is a natural response to loss and that expressing emotions and seeking support is important.
Example Lesson: The importance of personal identity and self-expression
Explanation: As the protagonist searches for justice, he also explores his own identity and ways to express himself creatively through art.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to explore and express their own identities and emotions through creative outlets like writing or art.