Neither Out Far Nor In Deep

Kadeem Johnson has a plan. It does not involve school, it does not involve following rules, and it definitely does not involve listening to his mother.

When his third suspension in a month pushes Gwendolyn past her limit, she does not ground him. She puts him on a plane. One way. To St. Kitts.

St. Kitts is not Orlando. There are no Starbucks, no Wi-Fi worth mentioning, and absolutely no one impressed by the person Kadeem has been pretending to be. What there is: a grandfather with quiet patience, an island with deep roots, and a world that knew his mother long before she became the woman he struggles to understand.

What was supposed to be punishment slowly becomes something he never expected.

Sharp, funny, and deeply moving, Neither Out Far Nor In Deep is a coming of age story about a boy who has to lose everything familiar before he can find out who he actually is.

“A well-crafted coming of age story that offers an earnest antidote to teen disaffection. The island setting is brimming with authenticity.” – Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars

“Leah T. Williams does a great job of getting into the head of a teenage boy, making this a relatable and engaging young adult novel.” – Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars

“An honest, heartfelt story grounded in Caribbean culture and teen truth.” – Kirkus Reviews

Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Walter Dean Myers, and Kwame Alexander. For readers ages 12 and up who love Caribbean fiction, multicultural YA, and stories about Black boys finding their way back to themselves.

Part of the Island Roots Series. Each book stands alone and can be read in any order.