In the Key of Us

Vivid writing and relatable characters make this a worthwhile read.

The voices of Andi and Zora are distinct and consistent, providing a comprehensive view of this coming-of-age romance.

Ten months after the death of her artist mother, 13-year-old Andrea "Andi" Byrd, who lives with her mother's pregnant sister, has lost any desire to express herself through her trumpet. But arriving at prestigious, predominantly white Harmony Music Camp, the rising seventh grader feels like an outsider, not used to the rigid schedule or the competition. Outside of friendship with Christopher Flores, who is of Filipino descent and navigating familial experiences of his own, Andi is often grouped with the only other Black camper: 12-year-old Zora Lee Johnson, a flautist who struggles to meet her perfectionist parents' standards. As the two build a true connection--Zora helps Andi improve her playing, while Andi helps Zora embrace her true passion--they start to trust each other with insecurities, secrets, and moments of self-discovery. Alternating the two perspectives with verse interstitials, Lockington (For Black Girls Like Me) weaves an exploration of mental health, self-harm, and microagressions with a love letter to music, the importance of representation, and the work of sticking up for the person one dreams of becoming. Ages 8-12. Agent: Jane Dystel, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Apr.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 5-8--With lyricism and emotional honesty, Lockington tells the story of two girls who find hope and healing in each other at Harmony Music Camp. Andi has lost her "soul sound" on the trumpet ever since her mother, a creative and at times erratic force, died in a tragic accident. Now living with her much more pragmatic aunt and uncle, Andi can't help but see a summer away at camp as a convenient method to get her out of the way in preparation for the arrival of their new baby. Zora would much rather be dancing, but her family has mapped a very narrow path for her as a flutist, and she is beginning to break under her mother's constant expectation of perfection. Although confident and sparkly on the outside, Zora experiences intense anxiety that she releases through self-harm. As two of the only Black kids at camp, Andi and Zora are frequently thrown together by students and staff who ignorantly assume that they will automatically connect. But as they open up to each other about their fears, losses, and dreams, they actually begin to develop a real friendship, and maybe more. Andi and Zora share the narration, and each section begins with a beautiful poem written in the voice of the camp itself, which lends a warm, comforting atmosphere to the setting. VERDICT Navigating sensitive topics like body image, mental health, racism, grief, and healthy relationships with a gentle hand, this moving coming-of-age story is perfect for tweens and young teens.--Catherine Cote

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

['In the Key of Us'] is also a work of art, full of delights: appealing characters, camp traditions, light romance, middle school friendship, poetry, music, the pleasures of creative work. — The New York Times

Told in Andi's and Zora's alternating perspectives, the well-paced coming-of-age narrative is sprinkled with contemporary references that bolster its authenticity as it sensitively explores topics such as racism and self-harm and offers a touching portrayal of young queer love...Vivid writing and relatable characters make this a worthwhile read. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Lockington elevates what is already an insightful middle-grade romance to a moving portrayal of two girls working toward themselves and each other, carrying the weight of other people's expectations and the pain of past traumas... An authentic look at how identity and relationships transform under shifting middle grade dynamics, this is a must-have for fans of Paula Chase and Frances O'Roark Dowell. —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

Lockington skillfully and delicately incorporates into her middle-grade romance anxiety, self-harm, coming out as LGBTQ+, microaggressions and the reality of how difficult life can be for children of color. In the Key of Us ultimately sends a message of hope and freedom that underlines the importance of children and teens letting the world see them for who they really are. —Shelf Awareness, starred review

Mariama writes so beautifully about emerging queerness and Black girlhood that it's hard to walk away from her books without your spirit being lifted. — Leah Johnson, bestselling author of You Should See Me in a Crown

Lockington's novel takes readers on a breathtaking, lyrical journey of the complexities of Black girlhood in a story about music, family, and recovery from loss. She weaves a tale that is both brutally honest and endearing, exposing the sincere flaws of her main characters in such a way that makes readers weep for each misstep and rejoice with each measure of success. — Booklist

In the Key of Us is a touching and heartfelt story that rhythmically follows the ache and joy of first love and finding yourself. Lockington manages to hit all the right notes, breaking your heart and filling you with joy as she looks at grief, growing up, and the healing power of friendship. —Lisa Moore Ramée, author of A Good Kind of Trouble and Something to Say

Warm and poetic, this gentle and emotional story of first love between two complicated and dynamic young girls completely captured my heart." —Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor Award-winning author of Other Words For Home and The Shape of Thunder

"In the Key of Us gives voice to the rich inner lives of Black kids and celebrates their loves while holding space for their losses in equal measure. It is a joyous celebration of music and art, loneliness and togetherness, and what it means to grow up and find peace in the world and within yourself. A charming, life-affirming, queer band camp novel I never knew I needed. I'm thrilled that the world has it now." —Ashley Woodfolk, acclaimed author of The Beauty That Remains and When You Were Everything

"IN THE KEY OF US is a symphony of a novel. Andi and Zora each struggle with family and friendships, expectations and loss, but during their summer filled with music, they form a bond that helps them on their path to self-discovery and healing. Mariama Lockington has written a story that is complex, lyrical, and true—a story that will make your heart sing." —Rajani LaRocca, award-winning author of Midsummer's Mayhem, Red, White and Whole, and Much Ado about Baseball

"Lockington's lyrical writing is tender and masterful. IN THE KEY OF US captures the many ways growing up is hard, exhilarating, unpredictable, and beautiful. Here, there is no pretense that life is easy but there is promise that there can be second chances, healing, and so much love." —Renée Watson, New York Times Bestselling Author