This Side Of Home is an amazing book based out of Portland. The narrator is Maya Young, who is the twin sister of Nikki Young. The readers soon find out that Essence, Maya and Nikki’s best friend, is moving because of gentrification. They all three go to Richmond High School in North Portland, which is often criticized by the media. Maya, the student body president, has to deal with the negative media and racism that she faces. Maya also dates a white boy, Tony, who moved into Essence’s old house. They fall in love even though they have had totally different upbringing and perspectives. I really recommend this book to anybody, it was an extremely easy quick read. It was really interesting to learn about different perspectives through all the characters!