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by Heather N. Wilde (Author), Adarryl Hunter (Contribution by), Chani Becker (Cover Design by)
Floyd's Baller is a young adult historical fiction novel told through the imagined voice of George Floyd, tracing the real-life journey of his lifelong best friend, Adarryl Hunter.
Set against the social, cultural, and systemic realities of the neighborhoods that shaped them, the story follows Adarryl as he navigates friendship, ambition, temptation, and choice-long before the world knew George Floyd's name. Through their bond, the novel explores coming of age, loyalty, masculinity, grief, and the quiet moments that determine who we become.
This is not a biography of George Floyd. It is a story about the world he and Adarryl came from-and the ripple effects of decisions made under pressure, love, and survival. Written with care and intention, Floyd's Baller restores dignity to a human life often reduced to headlines and invites readers to see beyond the moment that made George Floyd a symbol.
Designed for high school readers and educators, the book offers a powerful entry point for conversations about identity, systemic inequity, personal responsibility, and empathy-without preaching or simplification. While written for young adults, its impact reaches far beyond the classroom, speaking to anyone willing to listen closely.
