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  • Onyx & Beyond by Amber McBride book cover
  • Onyx & Beyond by Amber McBride book cover
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Onyx & Beyond

by Amber McBride Publisher: SQUARE FISH

Critically Recognized
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A boy’s dreams amid family and social uncertainty

$11.94 USD
$19.90 USD $11.94 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    Kirkus starred review

    Kirkus starred review praising the book as “a story of perserverance and love.”

AlbakiReads Editorial

A boy’s dreams amid family and social uncertainty

Set during the accelerating Civil Rights Movement, the novel follows Onyx as he tries to care for his mother, who is showing signs of early-onset dementia, while fearing that outside attention could separate them. His ambition to become an astronaut gives shape to his hopes for a life beyond the pressures he faces on Earth. The story brings together caregiving, childhood vulnerability, and the experience of being a young Black boy in 1960s America. The publisher description notes that Amber McBride drew on her father’s experience of facing a similar challenge with his own mother.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Young readers interested in historical fiction set during the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Readers seeking stories about family caregiving and mental health.
  • Readers interested in stories about Black childhood and big dreams.

Themes

Family caregivingDementia and mental healthChild welfare and family separationBlack childhood in 1960s AmericaDreams and aspiration

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

Praised as "a story of perserverance and love" in a starred review by Kirkus, here is a story about keeping dreams alive.

Onyx lives with his mother, who is showing signs of early-onset dementia. He doesn't want to bring attention to his home -- if Child Protective Services finds out, they'll put him into foster care.

As he's trying to keep his life together, the Civil Rights Movement is accelerating. Is there anywhere that's safe for a young Black boy? Maybe, if only Onyx can fulfill his dream of becoming an astronaut and exploring space, where none of these challenges will follow him. In the meantime, Onyx can dream. And try to get his mom the help she needs.

Based on her own father's story of growing up in the 1960s and facing the same challenge with his own mother, award winner Amber McBride delivers another affecting depiction of being young and Black in America.

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Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

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Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.