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In the Key of Us

By Mariama J. Lockington
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andi is struggling with grief after her mother’s death, while Zora feels worn down by the pressures of her success-driven parents. Both girls feel isolated until a summer music camp brings them together as the only two Black girls in a predominantly white environment. Andi excels on the trumpet, and Zora is torn between her love of the flute and dancing. Through shared experiences and honest conversations, they begin to discover not only who they really are but also the importance of their friendship.
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Format: Hardback
$3799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel is perfect for young adults and middle-grade readers seeking relatable stories that explore deep emotions, cultural identity, and the power of friendship through the arts. It appeals especially to those interested in music, dance, and stories about overcoming adversity with compassion and hope.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Andi is grappling with grief following the death of her mother. Zora is exhausted by trying to please her success-oriented parents. Both feel very much alone. Until a summer music camp brings them together.

The only two Black girls at camp in a sea of white children, Andi and Zora slowly begin to connect and reveal their deepest fears and dreams. While Andi is a natural on trumpet, Zora doesn't know if she wants to be a flautist since she also loves to dance.

As Andi and Zora struggle to figure out who they really are, they may just come to realise what they really need: each other.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Award-winning and critically acclaimed, In the Key of Us has been recognised as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and listed among the best books of 2022 by several prominent libraries. The New York Times praises it as 'a work of art' full of appealing characters and creative joys. School Library Journal honours the book with a starred review for its sensitive yet gentle treatment of themes like grief, racism, mental health, and friendship, marking it as an ideal coming-of-age story for tweens and young teens.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780374314101

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 26 April 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc

Illustration: black and white map

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 33.0mm

Width: 145.0mm

Height: 218.0mm

Weight: 432g

Pages: 368

Collections

Children’s, Teenage and Educational Fiction Mariama J. Lockington Young Adult

About the Author

Mariama J. Lockington is an adoptee, writer, and nonprofit educator. She has been telling stories and making her own books since the second grade, when she wore short-alls and flower leggings every day to school. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed For Black Girls Like Me, her middle-grade debut, which earned five starred reviews and was a TODAY Show Best Book of 2019. She is also the author of a poetry chapbook, The Lucky Daughter. Mariama holds a master's in education from Lesley University and masters in fine arts in poetry from San Francisco State University. She lives in Lexington, Kentucky with her partner and dapple haired dachshund, Henry. mariamajlockington.com

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