From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Us and As Far as Youâll Take Me) comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Perfect for fans of Rick by Alex Gino and The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy.
Jake is just starting to enjoy life as his schoolâs first openly gay kid. While his family and friends are accepting and supportive, the same canât be said about everyone in their small town of Barton Springs, Ohio.
When Jakeâs dad hangs a comically large pride flag in their front yard in an overblown show of love, the mayor begins to receive complaints. A few people are even concerned the flag will lead to something truly outlandish: a pride parade.
Except Jake doesnât think thatâs a ridiculous idea. Why canât they hold a pride festival in Barton Springs? The problem is, Jake knows heâll have to get approval from the town council, and the mayor wonât be on his side. And as Jake and his friends try to find a way to bring Pride to Barton Springs, it seems suspicious that the mayorâs son, Brett, suddenly wants to spend time with Jake.
But someone that cute couldnât possibly be in league with his mayoral mother, could he?
An ALA Rainbow List Pick A 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Middle Grade and Childrenâs Book A School Library Journal Best Book of 2022 A Maine Student Book Award 2023-2024 Reading List Nominee