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. ~ Goodreads
Source: Review copy provided via the publisher at ALA
Review: Marvin’s twin brother, Tyler, goes missing after a party that is raided by the police. At first, Marvin is reluctant to say anything, hoping his brother is just laying low. After a video showing a cop - who has previously harassed Marvin and his friends & other black teens - killing a black teenage boy goes viral online, Marvin fears the worst and knows he has to come clean to his mother and the police.
Tyler Johnson Was Here has a ripped from the headlines quality to it. It immerses you into the #hashtag, viral video culture that consumes us during tragedies and racial tensions. By centering the story from Marvin's POV, instead of Tyler's, Coles keeps the story intensely personal and focused on the emotional fallout to family, friends and the black community, while still providing a fully formed characterization of Tyler.
Marvin’s grief, anger and guilt for not being able to save Tyler are a living thing. The friendships, a budding romance (Faith is fantastic! and not just the throw away girlfriend character) and wonderful interactions with his mom and imprisoned father elevate this story.
I will note that the pacing is a little uneven at times, but is still a strong coming of age story set against the backdrop of unbearable tragedy and the Black Lives Matter movement. Probing questions (from all pov's) and uneasy answers challenge the reader to acknowledge the humanity of those beyond the headlines.
I listened to this on audio with JaQwan J. Kelly doing the narration and I highly recommend that format. He imbued so much emotion into the story.
