Leaving Lymon

 "Balancing rich history and timeless themes of race, instability, and the importance of music and the arts, this title is another must-have from Cline-Ransome." School Library Journal, Starred Review
   
 "Cline-Ransome's masterful storytelling will keep readers enthralled . . . A captivating novel about a boy whose story will leave readers wanting more." Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review  

 "Lymon s life is a study of a boy who perpetually falls through the cracks, and who internalizes the painful lesson that the only person he can count on is himself. Cline-Ransome demonstrates a mastery of character development that deftly weaves historical and sociological nuances of an African American family." The Horn Book, Starred Review
 
"Although readers of Finding Langston will appreciate the cannily crafted intersection of the two novels, readers who discover Lymon first will find the experience equally rewarding." The Bulletin of the Center for Children s Books

"In this companion to her Coretta Scott King Honor Book Finding Langston (2018), Cline-Ransome digs deep into the story of Lymon, the boy who bullied Langston. . . . Lymon's strong first-person narrative does an excellent job of capturing both the boy's confusion and disappointment, though his transformation into a bully is muted, as is the scene where he rips Langston's book. This is at its best when depicting the strong relationships that keep Lymon afloat, and the hopeful ending will uplift readers." Booklist

"Ultimately redemptive and truly heartwarming, this character study a stand-alone companion to the award-winning Finding Langston (Holiday House 2014) is at once devastating and deeply beautiful. Very brief chapters are broken down into four sections ("Daddy," "Momma," "Lymon," and "Us"), facilitating enhanced readability for younger grades, while the subject matter and the masterpiece of an author s note will reach those in middle school. Indeed, Lymon s story is one of hope amidst great adversity and should be considered compulsory reading to all age levels."  School Library Connection