Content: G.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
13yo Nikhil is the voice of Raj in a popular cartoon series. When his grandfather is ill, his mother decides that they need to move to Ohio for a while to stay with them. Nikhil’s mom and grandfather don’t get along. Nana is always telling her what to do, and how disappointed he is. Moving to Ohio makes Nikhil start 8th grade at a new school, and by the end of the first day, kids have already figured out who he is. He’s made a small friend group, and they are all auditioning for the musical, so he tries out too. But his fame and ability to work an audience and outshine his new friend DeSean and Raj is cast in the leading role. When he’s interviewed by the school paper, Nikhil talks about himself and lets the reporter know he’s gay. While everyone at school seems supportive, there is a parent who is not, and doesn’t want Nikhil to be the lead in the musical.
Solidly set in middle school, Nikhil Out Loud was a great book. There were no bullies, which was refreshing, and the principal, when confronted by the angry parent, did all the right things. I loved Nikhil's supportive mom and the drama teacher who was perfectly over the top. It was fun that Pancholy, who voices a cartoon character, created a story around a boy who does the same. Nikhil is Indian, DeSean is Black, Monica is Korean and Mateo is Mexican.
Lisa Librarian
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