Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Annelie Geissler
Categories
Children’s, Teenage & Educational

IN THE KEY OF US

Mariama J. Lockington

From the author of the critically acclaimed novel, For Black Girls Like Me, comes a lyrical story about the rush of first love and the power of one life-changing summer.

Thirteen-year-old Andi feels stranded after the loss of her mother, the artist, who swept color onto Andi's black canvas. When she is accepted to a music camp, Andi finds herself struggling to play her trumpet like she used to before her whole world changed. Meanwhile, Zora, a returning camper, is exhausted trying to please her parents, who are determined to make her a flute prodigy even though she secretly has a dancer's heart. At Harmony Music Camp, Zora and Andi are the only two Black girls in a sea of mostly white faces. In kayaks and creaky cabins, the two begin to connect, unraveling their loss, insecurities, and hope for the future. And as they struggle to figure out who they really are, they may just come to realize who they really need: each other. 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 For Black Girls Like Me, her middle-grade debut, as well as a poetry chapbook The Lucky Daughter. Mariama holds a Masters in Education from Lesley University and Masters in Fine Arts in Poetry from San Francisco State University. She lives in Lexington, KY with her partner and dapple haired dachshund, Henry.

Available products
Book Published 2022-04-26 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux Books for Young Readers

Comments

IN THE KEY OF US by Mariama J. Lockington appears on three "Best of" lists: - School Library Journal Best of 2022 - New York Public Library Best Books of 2022 - Chicago Public Library Best of 2022

IN THE KEY OF US is a symphony of a novel. Andi and Zora each struggle with family and friendships, expectations and loss, but during their summer filled with music, they form a bond that helps them on their path to self-discovery and healing. Mariama Lockington has written a story that is complex, lyrical, and true - a story that will make your heart sing.

Lockington's newest shines light on two girls trying desperately to find their own beat, and beautifully knits their songs together.

IN THE KEY OF US is a touching and heartfelt story that rhythmically follows the ache and joy of first love and finding yourself. Lockington manages to hit all the right notes, breaking your heart and filling you with joy as she looks at grief, growing up, and the healing power of friendship.

Warm and poetic, this gentle and emotional story of first love between two complicated and dynamic young girls completely captured my heart.

Lockington's lyrical writing is tender and masterful. IN THE KEY OF US captures the many ways growing up is hard, exhilarating, unpredictable, and beautiful. Here, there is no pretense that life is easy but there is promise that there can be second chances, healing, and so much love.

Alternating the two perspectives with verse interstitials, Lockington (For Black Girls Like Me) weaves an exploration of mental health, self-harm, and microaggressions with a love letter to music, the importance of representation, and the work of sticking up for the person one dreams of becoming.

IN THE KEY OF US gives voice to the rich inner lives of Black kids and celebrates their loves while holding space for their losses in equal measure. It is a joyous celebration of music and art, loneliness and togetherness, and what it means to grow up and find peace in the world and within yourself. A charming, life-affirming, queer band camp novel I never knew I needed. I'm thrilled that the world has it now.

Lockington's novel takes readers on a breathtaking, lyrical journey of the complexities of Black girlhood in a story about music, family, and recovery from loss. She weaves a tale that is both brutally honest and endearing, exposing the sincere flaws of her main characters in such a way that makes readers weep for each misstep and rejoice with each measure of success.

Told in Andi's and Zora's alternating perspectives, the well-paced coming-of-age narrative is sprinkled with contemporary references that bolster its authenticity as it sensitively explores topics such as racism and self-harm and offers a touching portrayal of young queer love... Vivid writing and relatable characters make this a worthwhile read.