[5] On Bookmarks March/April 2021 issue, reported on reviews from several publications with ratings for the novel out of five: Bull Cntr Children's Books, Christian Science Monitor, LA Review of Books, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Time, and Washington Post gave it a four with a critical summary saying, "Instead, Mavs back story'provides opportunities to savor the books relationships, delight in deeper understanding of the major and minor characters, and focus on the front-row view of Garden Heights" (Christian Science Monitor)".

[6] Time's Cleyvis Natera stated, "Thomas' genius is her ability to craft one man's history in a way that illuminates the forces that brought us to this critical juncture.

"[7] Nic Stone of The Washington Post echoed the sentiment, saying,[O]ne of my favorite things about Angie Thomas is that she's always willing to dig a little deeper, to peel back another layer.

Graham's voice also adapts well to fast-moving scenes, acquainting listeners to the edginess of street life as well as the unrelenting wisdom of a community that continues to grow amid adversity.

Thomas was inspired to write the book due to readers' interest of Maverick as a dad in her novel The Hate U Give.