Ozzie - (Way I See It) by L B Tillit (Paperback)

About the Book Ozzie believes if he ignores all the voices in his head then he'll make it. He'll be what everyone expects him to be: Hancock High's football all-star. But when the chance comes for him to prove who he really is, he becomes numb and doesn't care about who may be hurt, as long as the comments don't attack him. But Ozzie's silence begins to impact those around him. As Ozzie's world begins to fall apart, the voices in his head remain strong. Ifhe takes a stand for anything, will it even matter? Or worse, if he does speak, will he cause more harm than good?

Book Synopsis

Ozzie believes if he ignores all the voices in his head then he'll make it. He'll be what everyone expects him to be: Hancock High's football all-star. But when the chance comes for him to prove who he really is, he becomes numb and doesn't care about who may be hurt, as long as the comments don't attack him. But Ozzie's silence begins to impact those around him. As Ozzie's world begins to fall apart, the voices in his head remain strong. If he takes a stand for anything, will it even matter? Or worse, if he does speak, will he cause more harm than good?

The Way I See It is a series of novels, each from the point of view of a different teen with their own take on the challenges they encounter at Hancock High. Differences between the teens is not limited to their diverse racial backgrounds, but dives into clashing mindsets that many teens encounter in society today. Poverty, prejudice, sexual harassment, academic and social struggles, perfectionism, drug use, homelessness and racial tensions are woven throughout the series, providing a platform for discussion and a source of hope.

Review Quotes

"In the interactions of these various characters, Tillit effectively addresses such issues as bigotry, homelessness, and mental health . . . Over the course of this novel, Tillit deftly weaves a story of hope into an account of typical high school challenges . . . Overall, the story is engaging without being preachy, which will appeal to many YA readers. . . A thoughtful tale of finding hope amid life's trials."

- Kirkus Reviews