Nikhil Out Loud

Actor Pancholy (The Best at It) draws upon his experience as a voice actor in this sophomore novel about a queer 13-year-old advocating against homophobia. When Indian American voice actor Nikhil Shah's grandfather, Nana, becomes ill, the rising eighth grader and his mother travel from Los Angeles to Ohio to help. Though Nikhil is able to remotely record his lines for his lead voice role in animated TV series Raj Reddy in Outer Space, which recently garnered him a Kids' Cartoon Award, his future on the show feels uncertain when his voice begins to change. Loath to confide in his mother, who is navigating tensions with her Gujarati parents, Nikhil throws himself into new friendships with musical theater-loving DeSean, who is Black, fashionable Korean American Monica, and shy Mexican American skateboarder Mateo--on whom Nikhil quietly crushes. After Nikhil is cast as the school musical's lead, and mentions that he's gay during an interview for the school newspaper, protestors descend on the production, but the cast provides public heartwarming support as Nikhil considers options around using his voice. Told in Nikhil's earnest, compassionate narration, this look at authenticity and representation richly layers themes of family and community, and the support needed to grow into oneself. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Pancholy's sophomore effort is a layered coming-of-age tale, melding puberty's woes with familial expectations and grief.... The sweet, peck-on-the-cheek-level romance is delightfully middle school—as is the squeeworthy joy alongside more difficult moments. A timely affirmation that hate has no place in school. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Absolutely charming! Nikhil Out Loud is a deeply heartfelt and moving story about identity, courage, and belonging. This is the exact kind of affirming story that kids need right now. — Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor-winning author of Other Words for Home

A charming, inspiring, edge-of-your-seat tale that will pull at your heartstrings as it celebrates the importance of acceptance, love, family, and true friendship in all its glorious diversity. The world needs this story right now! — Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Night Diary

Nikhil Shah is an extraordinary kid in ordinary circumstances, and his story is hugely sweet and incredibly moving. Nikhil's dilemmas are so real they made my voice crack in sympathy, but Maulik also gives us a vision of the world—and middle school—as it could be. Get ready. — Kyle Lukoff, Newbery Honor-winning author

I adored Nikhil and his kind and generous heart, humility, and honesty. And I know kids will be cheering for for this lovable and relatable protagonist and welcome his voice as he explores family bonds and the meaning of acceptance, and finds courage while facing big changes. — Hena Khan, award-winning author of Amina's Voice

PRAISE FOR THE BEST AT IT: ★ The protagonist's devastatingly honest voice pulls readers deeply into a fast-paced journey... heartbreakingly authentic. — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ This funny, uplifting story about identity... sends a powerful, positive message to young readers about choosing self-acceptance. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ An impressive first novel...wholly engaging. — ALA Booklist (starred review)

Rahul is a compelling protagonist... Hand this to middle grade readers who are navigating changing social dynamics as they come of age. — School Library Journal

An emotional, earnest, and genuine journey to self-love that had me crying, laughing, and cheering Rahul on from beginning to end. Hilarious and heartbreaking and truly touching—I wanted nothing more than to reach through the pages and give Rahul a big hug for being brave, determined, and the best that he can be. — Kacen Callender, Stonewall Award-winning author of Hurricane Child

A funny, fun, big-hearted book filled with characters to adore. Rahul's journey toward learning to stand up for himself and finding his place in the world is achingly emotionally authentic and deeply resonant. This novel is a joy from beginning to end. — Anne Ursu, award-winning author of Breadcrumbs and The Lost Girl

Maulik Pancholy's story of an Indian American boy trying to come to terms with all facets of his identity while proving his own worth is at once exuberant and heart-wrenching, brightened with assured, lived-in details and a hero we love from the very first page. Every middle schooler will find themselves in this book. A wonderful, heartfelt debut. — Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series