Tyler Johnson Was Here

A young man searches for answers after the death of his brother at the hands of police in this striking debut novel, for readers of The Hate U Give.

When Marvin Johnson's twin, Tyler, goes to a party, Marvin decides to tag along to keep an eye on his brother. But what starts as harmless fun turns into a shooting, followed by a police raid.

The next day, Tyler has gone missing, and it's up to Marvin to find him. But when Tyler is found dead, a video leaked online tells an even more chilling story: Tyler has been shot and killed by a police officer. Terrified as his mother unravels and mourning a brother who is now a hashtag, Marvin must learn what justice and freedom really mean.

Tyler Johnson Was Here is a powerful and moving portrait of youth and family that speaks to the serious issues of today--from gun control to the Black Lives Matter movement.

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304 pages

Average rating: 7.25

4 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Briars Books
Jun 30, 2022
5/10 stars
First, let's all take a minute and admire the beauty that is this cover in all it's @kehindewiley inspired magic! • Fans of T.H.U.G. & Dear Martin have been gravitating to Tyler Johnson Was Here like mosquitoes to bare legs. Twins Tyler and Marvin couldn't be more different. Marvin is straight laced with dreams of MIT and being a modern Dwayne Wayne from #adifferentworld. For Tyler, life hasn't been so cut and dry, especially with their father in prison and their mother working longer hours. But, when they both go to a party and only Marvin returns home, the search for Tyler causes Marvin to really question how well he knew his twin. • While I loved the characters, I wasn't instantly hooked. I think the voice (having a black male protagonist interested in education and video games) is unique and important, I was left wanting more from the plot. Have you read it yet? What are some of your thoughts?

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