Square Squire and the Journey to Dreamstate

This sprawling coming-of-age novel offers a poignant look at geek culture and racial transition in 1960s Compton through the eyes of Squire Brooks, a precocious nerd navigating the final moments of neighborhood innocence. The semiautobiographical narrative captures that brief window when basketball dreams still felt limitless and gang violence hadn't yet transformed the landscape, with Squire's growing awareness marked by the increasing number of For Sale signs appearing in his white neighbors' yards.

What makes this story resonate is its authentic voice—Squire's geeky perspective provides both humor and heartbreaking clarity as he witnesses his father's deepening involvement in the changing community dynamics. Teen readers who've ever felt like outsiders will connect with Squire's journey of self-discovery, while the historical backdrop offers a powerful lens on America's ongoing conversations about race and belonging. The novel's nearly 400-page scope allows for rich character development that makes Squire's ultimate journey to "Dreamstate" feel both earned and emotionally impactful.