Something to Say

May 1, 2020
A new friend brings Jenae new challenges that move her out of her comfort zone. On the first day of junior high, Jenae doesn't have any friends, and she feels invisible. Then she meets redhead Aubrey, who is also black, and he's a huge fan of "Astrid Dane," Jenae's favorite YouTube show. Aubrey is loud and un-self-conscious while Jenae just wants to fade into the background. A class debate assignment is Jenae's worst nightmare but a dream come true for Aubrey, who aspires to join the debate team. When they partner up, can Jenae face her fear of public speaking--and will her friendship with Aubrey survive? Jenae's funny, candid voice makes her instantly endearing. Readers will also relate to her relationships with her tough-but-loving mother, her big brother, and her grandpa, who encourages Jenae to speak up. Fans of Ram�e's A Good Kind of Trouble (2019) will appreciate the subplot involving a controversial proposal to change the name of Jenae's school, from John Wayne Junior High to Sylvia Mendez Junior High, to honor the Mexican American girl who integrated a California school years before Brown v. Board of Education. Indigo's grayscale illustrations punctuate the generously leaded text. A timely, entertaining, unforgettable story about family, friendship, and finding your voice. (Fiction. 8-12)

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May 15, 2020
Grades 4-7 When 11-year-old Jenae arrives at John Wayne Junior High for her first day at the school, it's surrounded by protesters demanding a name change to honor civil rights activist Sylvia Mendez. While racial issues concern Jenae, who is Black, that morning she's focused on dealing with start-of-school jitters and with Aubrey, a boy who wants to befriend her. At home, she has different troubles. Irrationally blaming herself for her grandfather's stroke and the injury that has put her brother's college basketball career on hold, she feels responsible for making things better, but her methods sometimes backfire. And though she suffers from a paralyzing fear of public speaking, when a crucial moment arrives, she pulls herself together and speaks from the heart. The author of A Good Kind of Trouble (2019), Rame�e creates a number of convincing characters with depth and individuality. Jenae's distinctive first-person narrative is engaging as the story gradually builds momentum and she reveals her thoughts more fully. This satisfying novel revolves around civic engagement, family relationships, and an unexpected but ultimately welcome friendship.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

June 1, 2020
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.

Starred review from June 1, 2020

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. Ram�e (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

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