The Swag Is in the Socks

by Kelly J Baptist (Author)

The Swag Is in the Socks
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Xavier Moon is stepping out of the shadows when his great-uncle gives him some outlandish socks and some even stranger requests. A story about heart, confidence, and standing on your own two feet that is perfect for fans of The Season of Styx Malone and The Parker Inheritance.

"An excellent read-alike to Jacqueline Woodson's Harbor Me or Janae Marks' From the Desk of Zoe Washington." -Booklist, Starred Review

"A warm but authentic picture of a middle schooler figuring out who he is and who he wants to be." -The Bulletin

Xavier Moon is not one to steal the show. He's perfectly content to play video games and sit at his bedroom window watching the neighborhood talk outside.

But for Xavier's twelfth birthday, he receives a pair of funky socks and a challenge from his great-uncle, Frankie Bell, saying it's time to swag out and speak up. First on the list: get into the legendary Scepter League. Xavier's grandfather, great-uncle, and father were all invited to join the elite boys' after-school club that admits only the most suave and confident young men. Xavier has never had the courage to apply before, but his wild socks are getting him some big attention, so maybe it's time to come out of the shadows and follow in his family's footsteps. Or maybe Xavier will march down a new path altogether.

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Kirkus

A deeply funny and relatable story of growth.

ALA/Booklist

Starred Review

An excellent read-alike to Jacqueline Woodson's Harbor Me or Janae Marks' From the Desk of Zoe Washington.


Publishers Weekly

When Black seventh grader Xavier Moon's 12th birthday rolls around, his pianist great-uncle Frankie Bell sends a snazzy pair of polka-dot socks and a letter: "Far as I can see, you got nothin', other than the fact that you a wire-mouth, stutterin' boy with jailbird parents.... This is a challenge. An invitation to get your sad self together." Xavier Moon has long dreamed about following his grandfather, uncle, and father's shoes by becoming part of the Scepter League--a school club for those with "super swag" whose creed emphasizes social responsibility. When Xavier gets his chance to interview with the League, he makes it his mission to get inducted by any means necessary. Meanwhile, donning the socks, and other pairs that continue to arrive, offers him a route to confidence and swag of his own. In this inspirational novel told in Xavier's winning first-person narration, Baptist (Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero) delivers a warmly familiar, intergenerational look at getting to know oneself. Ages 8-12. Agent: Hannah Mann, Writers House. (Nov.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-7--Xavier Moon, a 12-year-old boy living with his older sister and his great-aunt Kat while his parents are incarcerated, has big plans for seventh grade: He's going to join the Scepter League, an elite leadership group for young men at his school. Just before the start of the school year, Xavier begins receiving strange mail from Frankie Bell, Kat's brother who is a touring musician. Each package includes a pair of outlandish socks and a cryptic letter with advice. When the Scepter League rejects Xavier's first bid to join, he does not give up; instead he leans on Frankie Bell's advice--and the socks--and discovers some unexpected talents and leadership skills. Told in the first person in a conversational tone, the narrative is engaging right from the beginning, and readers will enjoy being introduced to Xavier's family and friends. Although it deals with some tough topics--incarceration, severe illness, and managing a stutter--the story still has a lighthearted feel to it, owing mainly to Xavier's authentic and optimistic voice. Xavier and his family are Black; other characters are cued as coming from a variety of backgrounds. VERDICT Readers will enjoy this incredibly charming lead character, and they'll root for him as he navigates the challenges of school and family life.--Sarah Reid, Four County Lib. Syst., NY

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Kelly J Baptist
Kelly J. Baptist won the Ezra Jack Keats/Kerlan Memorial Fellowship for her YA novel-in-progress, Young. While visiting the Kerlan Collection, Kelly had the privilege of studying the dialogue techniques of the great Walter Dean Myers. Fast-forward a few years, and Kelly was fortunate enough to meet Myers at a literary event in Florida. A native of southwest Michigan, Kelly enjoys life with her husband and five children, who give her plenty of inspiration for writing. Though her busy family life often results in having to type with one hand, Kelly is committed to using the written word to inspire and transform lives. Find her online at kellyiswrite.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593380895
Lexile Measure
760
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
August 02, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JUV013090 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Alternative Family
Library of Congress categories
African Americans
Self-confidence
Stuttering
Middle schools
Great-uncles
Socks

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