Tyrone’s voice is the thread that runs through the entire book. In keeping with his aspirations to become a rapper, he is a kind MC for the novel, providing commentary on other students’ poems. Through his reflections, he also characterizes himself and shares the way his classmates impact his perspective. In this way, he is a round and dynamic character, sharing pieces of his story and journey in both prose and poetry.

He is good friends with Wesley and oscillates between his dream of becoming a hip-hop artist and worrying he doesn’t have a future. This is in part because his father was killed in a drive-by shooting. He is also frustrated by the way teenagers, especially Black teens, are perceived by society, adults, and each other. He strives to overcome and counter the negative stereotypes he sees and hears in the media and society, beginning the book with a poem about these themes and ending it with a direct address to a news reporter about biased reporting.

Throughout the novel, his doubts and frustrations ease into understanding and connection. He realizes his own moments of bias and prejudice and recognizes his growing capacities as a writer and friend.