![]() ![]() Using spare and lyrical language for ZJ’s present-tense narration, which moves back and forth through time, Woodson skillfully portrays the confusion, fear, and sadness when a family member suffers from brain injury and the personality changes it brings. ![]() As his dad slips further away, ZJ’s memories of better times grow closer than ever. Soon the headaches and memory lapses grow increasingly frequent and scary for ZJ and his mom, since the doctors do not seem to have any answers. The changes in his father begin slowly and intermittently. “Zachariah 44” was a fearless player who suffered many concussions during his playing career. And fortunately, ZJ has three friends who see him and not his father’s shadow. Although his dad is in the spotlight, he is full of love and attention for ZJ and his friends. loves his dad but wonders who he would be if his dad was not a famous athlete. ![]() Twelve-year-old Zachariah “ZJ” Johnson Jr. An African American preteen finds his world upended when his father, a retired professional football player, displays symptoms of traumatic brain injury. ![]()
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