Louder Than Words

by Ashley Woodfolk, Lexi Underwood Narrated by Lexi Underwood, Mark Turetsky

Overview

This amazing collaboration brings together two inspirational Black artists, NYT bestselling author Ashley Woodfolk and actress Lexi Underwood, for a story about the transformative power of art as protest and its capacity to change the world.

When Jordyn Jones transfers to Edgewood High, it's her opportunity to forget everything that happened at her old school. To forget what she and her friends did. To forget who she used to be. That was a different person - this is a fresh start. Now she's someone new, someone better.

Except it's the very first day of school, and somehow everyone already seems to know who she is. But Jordyn soon finds a group of friends, and she even starts talking to Izaiah, a soccer star who shares her love of art. Life is good. That's until an anonymous podcast called Tomcat Tea begins revealing humiliating secrets about Edgewood students, ruining their reputations and in some cases their futures. Jordyn and her friends know they have to do something-and this is Jordyn's chance to prove to herself that she's changed.

Jordyn's plan to take down the podcast throws her into the spotlight, and as the momentum builds, so do the risks-because Jordyn has a secret of her own, one that could ruin everything . . . and that a mysterious harasser online is threatening to expose.

With riveting prose, New York Times bestselling author Ashley Woodfolk and acclaimed actress Lexi Underwood balance an insightful depiction of the power of art as protest with asking some of the biggest questions facing teenagers today-in an era where mistakes can be picked over endlessly online, who is worthy of forgiveness? Can someone ever really change?

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

03/25/2024

Following her involvement in a tragedy at her former school that resulted in expulsion, high school junior Jordyn Jones is eager to start fresh. As she makes friends and crushes on Izaiah, her new school’s artistic soccer star, she and others are dogged by a podcast called Tomcat Tea. The anonymously run show shares school rumors—both fact and fiction—for the joy of “wreaking havoc with gossip.” After Jordyn is repeatedly targeted, she sets out to unmask the podcaster and take a stand against bullying—even as she endures escalating threats demanding that she publicize her own deep, dark secret. Intermittent flashbacks gradually reveal the events of Jordyn’s past. Jordyn’s struggles feel plausible and sometimes disturbing, and the often-serious subject matter is levied by engaging banter throughout. A heartfelt examination of issues surrounding bullying, complicity, social media, and redemption, this collaborative work by Woodfolk (The Beauty That Remains) and actor Underwood is teeming with suspense and ethical dilemmas that coalesce in a resolution that provokes further contemplation about the themes addressed. Jordyn is Black; supporting characters are queer and racially diverse. Ages 12–up. Agents: (for Woodfolk) Beth Phelan, Gallt & Zacker Literary; (for Underwood) Cait Hoyt, CAA and Katie Rhodes, Untitled Entertainment. (June)

From the Publisher

Praise for Louder Than Words:

* "This twisy, Gossip Girl-esque tale is full of surprises . . . a rich, layered story about reconciliation and accountability with oneself and others." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A suspenseful, thrilling, read-in-one-sitting page-turner with real emotional heart and depth.” — Nicola Yoon, #1 bestselling author of The Sun Is Also a Star

“Mysterious, honest, and full of heart, Louder Than Words is a story filled with hope, and one that promises each of us is deserving of second chances despite our mistakes.” — Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author

"A gift of a story, incredibly heartfelt and poignant from two powerhouse voices." — Mason Deaver, bestselling author of I Wish You All the Best

Product Details

BN ID:	2940159214287
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	06/04/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos