When I Was The Greatest: Jason Reynolds

This was a story about friendship and bravado. It explores an example of a boy who talks a lot of game about being tough, but once in an actual situation where he needs to rise up, he fails. Ali stays out of trouble and helps his single mom with his little sister. Then 2 new neighbor boys move in, who his little sister names Noodles and Needles. Noodles thinks he is a tough guy and is always picking on his brother Needles, who has turrets. The boys decide to go to a party and a fight breaks out. Needles comes to Noodles aid and Noodles disappears letting Needles get nearly beaten to death. This story explores the relationship between teenage boys and the power shift.