Overview

Lambda Literary Award Winner for LGBTQ+ Middle Grade From the acclaimed actor and Stonewall Honor-winning author of The Best at It, Maulik Pancholy, comes a new middle grade novel about a gay Indian American boy who learns the power of using his voice. For fans of Merci Suárez Changes Gears and Better Nate Than Ever. Thirteen-year-old Nikhil Shah is the beloved voice actor for Raj Reddy on the hit animated series Raj Reddy in Outer Space. But when his mom temporarily moves them to the small town in Ohio where she grew up to take care of Nikhil's sick grandfather, Nikhil feels as out of orbit as his character. Nikhil's fame lands him the lead in the school musical, but he's terrified that everyone will realize he's a fraud once they find out he has stage fright. And when a group of angry parents start to protest having an openly gay actor in the starring role, Nikhil feels like his life would be easier if only he could be Raj Reddy full-time. Then Nikhil wakes up one morning and hears a crack in his voice, which means his job playing Raj will have to come to an end. Life on earth is way more complicated than life on television. And some mysteries--like new friendships or a sick grandparent or finding the courage to speak out--don't wrap up neatly between commercial breaks.

Full Product Details

9780063091924

Table of Contents

Reviews

Rahul is a compelling protagonist... Hand this to middle grade readers who are navigating changing social dynamics as they come of age. --School Library Journal PRAISE FOR THE BEST AT IT: The protagonist's devastatingly honest voice pulls readers deeply into a fast-paced journey... heartbreakingly authentic. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) An impressive first novel...wholly engaging. --ALA Booklist (starred review) This funny, uplifting story about identity... sends a powerful, positive message to young readers about choosing self-acceptance. --Publishers Weekly (starred review) A funny, fun, big-hearted book filled with characters to adore. Rahul's journey toward learning to stand up for himself and finding his place in the world is achingly emotionally authentic and deeply resonant. This novel is a joy from beginning to end. --Anne Ursu, award-winning author of Breadcrumbs and The Lost Girl An emotional, earnest, and genuine journey to self-love that had me crying, laughing, and cheering Rahul on from beginning to end. Hilarious and heartbreaking and truly touching--I wanted nothing more than to reach through the pages and give Rahul a big hug for being brave, determined, and the best that he can be. --Kacen Callender, Stonewall Award-winning author of Hurricane Child Maulik Pancholy's story of an Indian American boy trying to come to terms with all facets of his identity while proving his own worth is at once exuberant and heart-wrenching, brightened with assured, lived-in details and a hero we love from the very first page. Every middle schooler will find themselves in this book. A wonderful, heartfelt debut. --Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series

Author Information

Maulik Pancholy is an award-winning actor whose career has spanned hit television shows (30 Rock, Whitney), animated favorites (Phineas and Ferb, Sanjay and Craig), the Broadway stage, and films. He served on President Barack Obama's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and he is the cofounder of the anti-bullying campaign Act to Change. Maulik lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his husband, Ryan, and his dog, T-Rex. The Best at It is his debut novel.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available