Nikhil Out Loud - Hardcover

Pancholy, Maulik

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0063091925 ISBN 13: 9780063091924

Publisher: Quill Tree Books, 2022

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

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.

Reviews

Gr 5 Up-After the Kids' Cartoon Awards, 13-year-old Indian American voice actor Nikhil Shah learns he'll be moving from Los Angeles to his mom's hometown in Ohio. His nana is ill, and they need to be there to help care for him. On the first day of eighth grade, Nikhil meets DeSean, who is Black, and is welcomed into the Sycamore Middle School theater crowd, which includes Korean American Monica and Mexican American Mateo. After being cast as the lead in the eighth grade musical, Nikhil reveals to the school newspaper that he's gay. Soon a homophobic community member threatens to protest the play if Nikhil remains cast. But the Sycamore community rallies around Nikhil and his friends, and together they show that there is no place for hate in school. Nikhil's cup is full to the brim with complex family relationships, puberty, and his burgeoning community activism all vying for his attention. At times readers may feel overwhelmed trying to keep up with everything Nikhil is experiencing, but perhaps that's the point. Ultimately, Nikhil and his loved ones learn that running away from challenges doesn't make them go away-the only way to find happiness is to speak your truth. VERDICT A powerful and well-timed story that demonstrates just how much representation matters.-Dana Westα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Quill Tree Books
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0063091925
• ISBN 13: 9780063091924
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 320