Find Your Voice!

Books of Wonder is honored to welcome New York Times best-selling author FREDERICK JOSEPH as he presents his debut YA novel This Thing of Ours! It’s a timely, unflinching journey of self-discovery where one Black teen finds his newfound friends, mentor, and even his own voice threatened by a group of students’ viral “anti-woke” video. Joining him in conversation will be fellow New York Times best-selling author of The Hate U Give, ANGIE THOMAS.

Please note: Due to the anticipated high-turnout for the event, there will be no personalizations. We are permitting one book from home to be signed with one book purchase. We reserve the right to limit the number of books signed per attendee. Additional copies may be signed at line re-entry. 

Want to pre-order online, and pick up your books the day-of the event? Select the "Event Pick-Up" option at checkout!

About the Book  

In an instant, Ossie Brown’s entire future is in jeopardy when a torn ACL ends his promising basketball career. Now that basketball is no longer a major part of his identity, Ossie—a Black teen who doesn’t come from wealth and privilege—must navigate his new place in the social and academic ecosystems of his affluent, predominantly white school. When a Black teacher encourages him to join her highly regarded writing program, Ossie begins to find a new purpose, buoyed by not only the rich works of literature by marginalized authors he’s now reading, but also by new friends who see him as something more than an asset to the sports program.

Everything changes when some students’ viral “anti-woke” video puts the teacher’s job, the writing program, and even Ossie’s friends’ safety at risk — and Ossie must find his true voice.

This unflinching novel confronts critical issues like racism and classism, the treatment of student athletes, homophobia, and book banning while weaving together a moving testament to family, romance, friendship, and the power of words.

About the Author

Frederick Joseph is a Yonkers, NY raised two-time New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. He was recognized for the International Literacy Association’s 2021 Children’s & Young Adults’ Book Award, is a 2019 Forbes 30 Under 30 list-maker for marketing and advertising, an activist, philanthropist, and poet. Frederick was also honored with the 2023 Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Vanguard Award, the 2018 Comic-Con Humanitarian of the Year award and is a member of the 2018 “The Root 100" list of Most Influential African Americans.

Friday, June 6th at 6pm at our 42 West 17th St Store!