Other Side of the Tracks - by Charity Alyse

About the Book

When Zach, a white boy from Philly, moves to a racially divided town, he befriends Black siblings Capri and Justin, but when the police murder one of their friends, the town erupts into an all-out war, with Capri, Justin, and Zach caught in the middle.

Book Synopsis

This "stirring...emotionally raw" (Publishers Weekly) young adult debut novel about three teens entangled by secret love, open hatred, and the invisible societal constraints wrapped around people both Black and white is perfect for readers of All American Boys and The Hate U Give.

There is an unspoken agreement between the racially divided towns of Bayside and Hamilton: no one steps over the train tracks that divide them. Or else.

Not until Zach Whitman anyway, a white boy who moves in from Philly and who dreams of music. When he follows his dream across the tracks to meet his idol, the famous jazz musician who owns The Sunlight Record Shop in Hamilton, he's flung into Capri Collins's path.

Capri has big plans: she wants to follow her late mother's famous footsteps, dancing her way onto Broadway, and leaving this town for good, just like her older brother, Justin, is planning to do when he goes off to college next year. As sparks fly, Zach and Capri realize that they can help each other turn hope into a reality, even if it means crossing the tracks to do it.

But one tragic night changes everything. When Justin's friend, the star of Hamilton's football team, is murdered by a white Bayside police officer, the long-standing feud between Bayside and Hamilton becomes an all-out war. And Capri, Justin, and Zach are right in the middle of it.

Review Quotes

"Alyse's debut novel holds the perfect elements to create a fresh spin on star-crossed romances, while still offering sharp commentary on relevant social issues."---Booklist "11/01/2022"

"An interesting look at the many forms activism can take."---Kirkus Reviews "10/1/2022"

"This emotionally raw volume juggles interracial dynamics and themes of appropriation, identity, and systemic racism."---Publishers Weekly "10/17/2022"

"This excellent narration encapsulates teen love, the harsh realities of racism, and peeks into the world of teens today. Both heartbreaking and inspiring, this stunning debut will give readers much to discuss and debate."---School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW "1/1/2023"

About the Author

Charity Alyse earned her bachelor's degree in English literature at Rowan University and is currently working toward a master's degree in clinical mental health therapy. Other Side of the Tracks is her first novel. Alyse lives in New Jersey. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @Charity_Alyse and CharityAlyse.com.