In this poignant mixed voice, mixed form collection of interconnected prose, poems and stories, teen characters, their families, and their communities grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst fear and loss, these New York City teens prevail with love, resilience and hope. From the award-winning author of Chlorine Sky and Vinyl Moon.
Grief, pain, hope, and love collide in this short story collection.
In New York City, teens, their families, and their communities feel the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the fear and loss, these teens and the adults around them persevere with love and hope while living in difficult circumstances:
Malachi writes an Armageddon short story inspired by his pandemic reality.
Tariq helps their ailing grandmother survive during quarantine.
Zamira struggles with depression and loneliness after losing her parents.
Mohamed tries to help keep his community spirit alive.
A social worker reflects on the ways the foster system fails their children.
From award-winning author Mahogany L. Browne comes a poignant collection of interconnected prose, poems, and lists about the humanity and resilience of New Yorkers during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Title alpha A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe
Level City High School
Pages Count 160
Topics COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020. Family life. New York City. Teenagers. Communities.
Trim Size 8 1/2" x 5 1/2"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2025-03-10
JLG Release Date Apr 2025
Minimum grade 10
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
City High School (Grades 10 & Up)
City High School
City High School (Grades 10 & Up)
For Grades 10 & Up
Teen readers looking for realistic city settings and urban themes will enjoy these often-gritty titles that deal with contemporary situations and feature ethnically and culturally diverse characters. These titles will have special appeal for urban teens who want to see their own lives reflected in the books they read. Readers interested in the excitement and challenges of a city setting will also be drawn to the 12 books that comprise this category.