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Cover of The Nickel Boys

Literary · Historical

The Nickel Boys

by Colson Whitehead

4.3 out of 5, from 505 ratings from Hardcover readers

Elwood, a studious Black teenager in 1960s Florida, is sent to a brutal reform school because of an unjust arrest. Whitehead draws on a real institution to show what happens to him and his friend Turner.

Facts last checked 2026-10-17

First published
2019
Pace
Medium
Length
Short
Pages
224
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want a short, controlled novel about injustice and its long aftermath.

Skip this if you cannot read depictions of abuse of children and racial violence.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Racism
  • Child abuse
  • Violence
  • Torture
  • Death

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Child death
  • Physical abuse
  • Rape
  • Bullying
  • Forced institutionalization
  • Racial slurs

Quick answers about The Nickel Boys

What is The Nickel Boys about?
Elwood, a studious Black teenager in 1960s Florida, is sent to a brutal reform school because of an unjust arrest. Whitehead draws on a real institution to show what happens to him and his friend Turner.
Who should read The Nickel Boys?
Read it if you want a short, controlled novel about injustice and its long aftermath. Skip it if you cannot read depictions of abuse of children and racial violence.
How long and how fast is The Nickel Boys?
It is a medium-paced, short read of about 224 pages, first published in 2019.
Does The Nickel Boys have content warnings?
Content we flag: Racism, Child abuse, Violence, Torture, Death.
Can I borrow The Nickel Boys for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Nickel Boys; the borrow button above searches it for you.

Where to get it

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