Throwing the Crown explores themes of boyhood, masculinity, Latinx identity, gang culture, family, and love. With simple language and subtle lyricism, the poems in this book investigate topics such poverty through the lens of Flamin' Hot Cheetos, profiling by police and gangbangers, the origin of the word 'bachelor' and its meanings for today's society, and family life affected by alcoholism and addiction. Whether referencing TV shows, video games, zombies or Walt Whitman, each poem seeks meaning in the everyday and offers moments of clarity in a hazy American landscape. Introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gregory Pardlo.