Booked by Kwame Alexander follows Nick Hall, an eighth-grade soccer enthusiast navigating the challenges of his parents' separation, academic pressures from his linguistics professor father, school bullying, a soccer injury, and the complexities of self-discovery, with support from a unique school librarian and his crush, April. The book includes references to parental separation.

Booked by Kwame Alexander captivates readers with its poetic narrative and authentic portrayal of a young athlete's life. Reviewers praise its unique writing style and engaging storyline that appeals to both teens and reluctant readers. However, some find the plot predictable and secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, a dynamic and relatable read.

A reader who enjoys Booked by Kwame Alexander is typically a middle-grade to young adult audience interested in sports, poetry, and navigating adolescence. Fans of The Crossover by Kwame Alexander and Wonder by R.J. Palacio will appreciate the rhythmic prose and relatable challenges of growing up.

Emotional / Inspirational / Hopeful / Heartwarming / Contemplative

- Booked by Kwame Alexander creatively integrates poetry and wordplay throughout its narrative, enhancing the reader's experience with a rhythmic and lyrical flow.
- The book includes a variety of dictionary definitions and word games, reflecting the protagonist's love for language and his father's passion as a linguaphile.
- Kwame Alexander, the author of Booked, has received numerous accolades for his other works, including the prestigious Newbery Medal for his novel The Crossover.

**Nick Hall**  
A 13-year-old protagonist with a strong passion for soccer and a talent for using advanced vocabulary, who navigates the challenges of adolescence, family changes, and friendships.  

**Mom**  
Nick's funny and loving mother whose career as a horse trainer leads her away from their family home, creating new dynamics in Nick's life.  

**Dad**  
A linguistics professor and the author of a unique dictionary, who has high academic expectations for Nick and a complicated relationship with him.  

**Mr. Skip MacDonald (“The Mac”)**  
The quirky and supportive librarian at Nick's school, known for his humor, bowling enthusiasm, and influential role in encouraging Nick to read.  

**Coby Lee**  
Nick's best friend and fellow soccer enthusiast, who shares his experiences of parental separation and stands up aggressively to bullies.  

**April Farrow**  
Nick's classmate and crush, who is an avid reader and a confident member of the school book club.  

**Dean and Don Eggleston**  
Twin brothers and bullies, known for targeting Nick and his friends with physical and verbal intimidation.  

**Ms. Hardwick**  
Nick's Honors English teacher, initially perceived as strict, but who ultimately supports him academically and personally.

Kwame Alexander

Middle grade

Novel/Book in Verse

The Crossover

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Booked and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Booked Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-52

Booked Pages 1-52 Summary & Analysis

Pages 53-113

Booked Pages 53-113 Summary & Analysis

Pages 114-172

Booked Pages 114-172 Summary & Analysis

Pages 173-234

Booked Pages 173-234 Summary & Analysis

Pages 235-267

Booked Pages 235-267 Summary & Analysis

Pages 268-314

Booked Pages 268-314 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Booked Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Booked Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Booked Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Booked Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Booked Essay Topics

Introduction

Booked Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Booked Before Reading

During Reading

Booked During Reading

After Reading

Booked After Reading

Booked

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Booked?

Reading Age

Book Details