Books like Way Past Cool by Jess Mowry
Way Past Cool follows a group of young African‑American boys in West Oakland during the early 1990s. At 13 years old, Gordon leads The Friends through streets plagued by gang rivalries, drug dealers, and a tense peace with The Crew. Lyon, a quiet member with a mystical streak, stands beside him. The narrative explores the harsh reality of abandoned buildings, single‑mother families, and an undercurrent of despair, while also highlighting the deep bonds and humanity that persist among the teens. 1990‑s urban life, gang culture, and the struggle for survival shape each character’s world, revealing how friendship and hope can endure even amid violence and police neglect.
First publish date: 1992
Genre: General Fiction/General Fiction
Authors: Jess Mowry
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