Something to Say

Ultra-introvert Jenae, 11, lives in Los Angeles with her mother, her older brother (home from college with a basketball injury), and her grandfather. On her first day at John Wayne Junior High, Jenae learns of a growing conflict over her school's name, her English teacher details a semester of public speaking, and obnoxious new kid Aubrey Banks reveals that both kids are fans of a popular YouTuber. Though Jenae doesn't often make friends, believing that her feelings affect others' actions (she blames herself for her brother's accident and her father's leaving), she reluctantly lets Aubrey in. When the first speech looms, however, Jenae is willing to lose the friendship and lie to her family to avoid it. Though the girl's aversion to public speaking ends rather abruptly, her insecurities and feelings of invisibility are age appropriate and well developed. Numerous subplots--the school name-change debate, Jenae's grandfather's deteriorating health, and her brother's worrisome sulking--help lead Ramée's (A Good Kind of Trouble) story to a laudable culmination. Indigo's digital character sketches appear throughout. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Brenda Bowen, the Book Group. (July)

Gr 3-7--Jenae likes to be invisible. She's starting junior high school without any friends, and she's just fine with that. Her plans start to fall through, however, when she meets Aubrey, a new boy from Chicago with flaming orange hair and a larger-than-life personality. Bonding over their favorite YouTube star, the two form a friendship. As part of an assignment for English class, Aubrey and Jenae are tasked with debating the school's proposed name change from John Wayne Junior High to Sylvia Mendez Junior High. Jenae would rather do anything than stand up in front of the class and speak, even though this cause means a lot to her. She also has her family to worry about: Her grandfather Gee suffers a stroke and loses the ability to speak, her father doesn't seem to have the time for her, Mama wants her to be bold and outgoing, and her brother Malcolm is home from playing college basketball due to a sports injury. Ramée (A Good Kind of Trouble) offers a strong representation of social anxiety in Jenae, and creates a dynamic and realistic cast of characters. The debate over the school's name change will prompt readers to reflect on timely social justice topics. VERDICT This is a compelling story about friendship, fighting for what you believe in, and finding your voice. A first purchase for middle grade collections.--Katharine Gatcomb, Portsmouth P.L., NH