Keeping It Real

(Paperback)

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Description

Fun and juicy.New York Times

A solid story of summer growth and exploration.Kirkus Reviews

Marigold Johnson is looking forward to a future full of family, friends, and fashionbut what will she do when it all explodes in her face When she discovers that her entire life is a lie

Paula Chase, the author of So Done, Dough Boys, and Turning Point, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgivenessand what it means to be familyin this stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Rene Watson.

Marigold Johnson cant wait to attend a special program at her familys business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that shes out of place compared to the three other traineesand one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.

As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Karas been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.

Paula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. Keeping It Real is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chases character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.

Reviews

[At] Style High, a summer program designed to boost Black kids who are interested in careers in fashion design and styling . . . Maris in for an awakening ruder than she expected, one that will make her question what she knows about her family and background. The socio-economic and racial dynamics of this story add a compelling dimension . . . fits squarely into the lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous genre of realistic fiction that is just a touch fantastic with all its glitz and glamour. . . . A solid story of summer growth and exploration." Kirkus Reviews Fourteen-year-old Marigold Johnson is an aspiring fashion designer . . . Marigolds summer only becomes more complicated when she uncovers a secret that turns her world completely upside down. Chase explores the strength and power of familial bonds and friendships when faced with hardships. The book also delves into the topics of conformity and identity and the weight that they hold on an adolescents sense of belonging. This will resonate with tweens and teens who are gaining an understanding of who they are and where they fit in. Booklist Chase delivers a contemporary narrative on the complexities of race, class privilege, and interpersonal relationships, exploring being Black enough through a flawed but resonant cast navigating empathy, friendship, and family. Publishers Weekly Marigold Johnson fears shes drifting apart from her best friend . . . So when Justice lands a fashion internship the summer after their eighth grade, she decides to join him. . . . Marigolds blindness to her privilege and her effect on the other kids is painfully believable, and the revelation of the family secret is a real twist . . . Marigolds emotional, often un-self-aware narration makes her story especially ripe for discussion about perspectives and relationship dynamics. Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books Marigold Mari Johnson is used to straddling two worlds. . . In an unexpected revelation, Mari is forced to rethink what privilege truly means, and how to handle it responsibly. . . . Chase turns her full attention to themes of classism within the Black community. Horn Book Magazine The book does a refreshing job exploring friendship, socioeconomic classes, and race. . . . Middle grade readers who enjoy stories about fashion and friendship, rooted in real-world issues, will enjoy. School Library Journal "Fun and juicy." New York Times

Author Bio

Paula Chase is the author of several books for teens. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a cheer-leading coach and in public relations for a tech company. She is the co-founder of The Brown Bookshelf, a site designed to increase awareness of African American voices writing for young readers. She is the author of So Done.