06/01/2020
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. (July)
Gripping from the opening line, A Good Kind of Trouble is a tender, insightful, and unique look at what it means to stand up for what you believe in and be brave. Shay is the type of heroine who inspires us all to take a stand.
★ 06/01/2020
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. Ramée (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
★ 2020-04-08
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 Ramée’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)
A timely, entertaining, unforgettable story about family, friendship, and finding your voice.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"This is a compelling story about friendship, fighting for what you believe in, and finding your voice. A first purchase for middle grade collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Ramée creates a number of convincing characters with depth and individuality…. This satisfying novel revolves around civic engagement, family relationships, and an unexpected but ultimately welcome friendship.” — ALA Booklist
"Something to Say is an ode to family and friendship, a call to action, all housed in a story about a girl who finds the courage to face her fears and use her voice to speak up about the people and places that matter to her most. With tenderness, wit, and charm, Ramée creates unforgettable characters that readers will no doubt relate to and root for." — Renée Watson, author of Some Places More Than Others
Praise for A GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE: “Full of heart and truth, A Good Kind of Trouble has all of the making to be this generation’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry . Much like Cassie Logan, Shayla’s experiences, pitfalls, and triumphs will inspire young people for years to come. It is a well-written page turner with a voice that stays with you long after you put the book down.” — Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give
“Ramée effectively portrays the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and the difficulty of navigating complex social situations while conveying universal middle school questions about friendship, first crushes, and identity. Shay’s journey is an authentic and engaging political and personal awakening.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Shayla navigates the world of middle school and the troubled world beyond with wit and endless heart. A timely, funny, and unforgettable debut about friendship, facing your fears, and standing up for what’s right.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Reminiscent in writing style to works by Lauren Myracle and Jason Reynolds, this novel [shows] Shayla’s typical middle school problems, then switches to the very specific problems she faces as a young black girl in America…[For] middle grade readers who aren’t yet ready for Thomas’s The Hate U Give .” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“Shayla’s narration is both sympathetic and acutely realistic... this is a sensitive exploration of contemporary racism and inequity for a readership not ready for Thomas’ The Hate U Give.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Gripping from the opening line, A Good Kind of Trouble is a tender, insightful, and unique look at what it means to stand up for what you believe in and be brave. Shay is the type of heroine who inspires us all to take a stand.” — Jay Coles, author of Tyler Johnson Was Here
“Shay’s voice is so genuine — she practically walks off the page. This is an important book, and an incredible debut.” — Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Medal-winning author of Hello, Universe
"Something to Say is an ode to family and friendship, a call to action, all housed in a story about a girl who finds the courage to face her fears and use her voice to speak up about the people and places that matter to her most. With tenderness, wit, and charm, Ramée creates unforgettable characters that readers will no doubt relate to and root for."
Ramée creates a number of convincing characters with depth and individuality…. This satisfying novel revolves around civic engagement, family relationships, and an unexpected but ultimately welcome friendship.
Shayla’s narration is both sympathetic and acutely realistic... this is a sensitive exploration of contemporary racism and inequity for a readership not ready for Thomas’ The Hate U Give.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Praise for A GOOD KIND OF TROUBLE: “Full of heart and truth, A Good Kind of Trouble has all of the making to be this generation’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry . Much like Cassie Logan, Shayla’s experiences, pitfalls, and triumphs will inspire young people for years to come. It is a well-written page turner with a voice that stays with you long after you put the book down.
Shay’s voice is so genuine — she practically walks off the page. This is an important book, and an incredible debut.
Shayla’s narration is both sympathetic and acutely realistic... this is a sensitive exploration of contemporary racism and inequity for a readership not ready for Thomas’ The Hate U Give.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Shayla’s narration is both sympathetic and acutely realistic... this is a sensitive exploration of contemporary racism and inequity for a readership not ready for Thomas’ The Hate U Give.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
