Tyler Johnson Was Here

By: Jay Coles

Narrated by: JaQwan J. Kelly

The Hate U Give meets All American Boys in this striking and heartbreaking debut novel, commenting on current race relations in America.

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 stunning account of police brutality in modern America.

©2018 Jay Coles (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Coles...pens an immersive and uncompromising look at systemic police violence in the U.S., effectively dramatizing the human experience and ethical questions underpinning today's Movement for Black Lives." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Unforgettable.... Coles' exploration of brotherhood, grief, friendship, and familial ties is as moving and relevant as its exploration of racism." (Booklist)

"Exploring the current climate of police brutality and viral culture, this harrowing YA effort is based on its author's own experiences with tragedy and loss, a personal touch felt across every page." (Entertainment Weekly)

"Gripping from the very first scene, Tyler Johnson Was Here is a powerful and vulnerable immersion into the lives of people who are too rarely given a voice." (Adi Alsaid, author of Let's Get Lost and Never Always Sometimes)

"A distressing yet empowering portrait of a black teenager confronting relentless racism, brutality, and tragedy." (Publishers Weekly)

"This well-written, fast-paced story eloquently addresses how to grieve, plan, and participate in the burial of a loved one....[A] standout debut." (School Library Journal)

Amazing

Love how JaQwan does an amazing job or portraying Marvin in this story!! It made me laugh at times but cry as well.

Powerful Story

In the same vein as "The Hate U Give" and "All American Boys," "Tyler Johnson Was Here" packs an emotional and heart wrenching punch. After Marvin's twin brother goes missing, he and his mother fears for the worst. When they learn that Tyler was shot by a police officer they are outraged. Amid sadness and depression, they also seek justice for Tyler's death. A strong story and moral message.

Excellent! Awesome Narration!!!

What a well written and breath taking book by the author, Jay Coles. It will be extremely hard to put this book down as the narrator, JaQwan J. Kelly takes you on an emotional journey. I felt as if I was right there in the midst with every character. I cried, laugh and became angry. I highly recommend this book.

Good, But Not Great

I fear Angie Thomas has spoiled me. This story was good, though a bit predictable, and not as great as the others like it on the market. However, it is definitely a story we need to hear. The narration was wonderful (including the TV elemental effect was nice).

nicely written and a define page turner

definitely something I would recommend. I do wish we heard what happened at the trial but other than that I loved it

Hated the Narrator

The story was mediocre, but I was ultimately lost by the narration. I'm totally for these types of stories, but this one just fell flat.