Slay

Kiera is a seventeen-year-old student at a private school who creates an action video game called Slay in which contestants duel each other using cards that give them certain powers. The game is unique in that it also celebrates Black achievement and culture, but when a player is murdered in real life over coin, there are calls for her character, Queen Emerald, to reveal her true identity and show accountability. Others feel like the game is an example of reverse racism, and Kiera suddenly is threatened with a lawsuit, but she realizes that the issue of what is and isn't racist is not so clear-cut. This Tayshas-winning novel will certainly be enjoyed by gamers for the creativity and action of the game itself, but the exploration of social issues and relationships makes this a timely, thought-provoking read and discussion starter.