Earlier this week, MahoganyBooks proudly welcomed hometown author and filmmaker Nick Brooks to launch his powerful new young adult novel, Up in Smoke. Held at a Southeast D.C. library that shaped co-founder Derrick Young’s own love for reading, the event was both a celebration and a homecoming.
A Story Rooted in D.C.
Up in Smoke follows Cooper King, a teen caught in the fallout of a protest gone wrong. After an officer-involved shooting sparks citywide unrest, Cooper finds himself falsely accused of murder. With the help of his friend—and potential love interest—Monique, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth and reclaim his name.
For Brooks, setting the novel in Washington, D.C. was both personal and intentional. “This is my tribe,” he shared. “I want to give back to my tribe.” With detailed references to H Street, neighborhood slang, and everyday realities, Up in Smoke immerses readers in a lived-in world that’s authentically D.C.
From Protest to Page
The story was sparked by a moment during a school visit in Chicago. A tenth grader asked Brooks, “How do we combat systemic oppression?” That single question became the thematic heartbeat of Up in Smoke. The novel examines the impact of broken systems on youth, especially when summer jobs are cut, mentorship is inconsistent, and opportunities feel out of reach.
But Brooks doesn’t preach. “It’s like Inception,” he said. “I want to plant the idea and let readers explore it.” That trust in young people’s intellect and emotional depth is what sets his work apart.
A Multimedia Mystery
In an innovative twist, Up in Smoke is paired with a companion rap album, told from a third character’s perspective. The music adds new layers to the story, with lyrical clues embedded throughout. “It’s a bridge to literacy,” Brooks explained. “If a kid connects with the album, they’ll be curious about the book.”
Featuring guest appearances from D Smoke, Fat Trel, and more, the album stands on its own while enriching the book’s narrative.
A Call to Action
Brooks hopes the book inspires deeper conversations among educators, parents, and community members. “We have to arm ourselves—not just with weapons, but with knowledge, spirit, and community,” he said. Let’s raise revolutionaries who can build something new.”
Up in Smoke is more than a mystery—it’s a mirror held up to our society, and an invitation to envision a better one.
📚 Up in Smoke by Nick Brooks is available now at MahoganyBooks.com. Get your copy, listen to the pod, and start the conversation.
Photo Credit: Dante Bailey