Nikhil Out Loud by Maulik Pancholy
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063091925
Pages: 320
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Nikhil Shah is pretty famous, but most people don’t recognize him because he’s a voice actor for a very popular animated series. When his mom moves him to a small town in Ohio to care for his grandfather (whom he barely knows), Nikhil is less than thrilled. Once people discover who he is, he is given the lead in the school musical. There’s one problem — Nikhil has terrible stage fright and isn’t a very good singer. To make matters worse, a group of parents are protesting having an openly gay kid playing the lead role AND he wakes up to find his voice is cracking and changing. How can he do the job he loves without the voice that got him that job?

Though Nikhil is famous, he faces many of the same insecurities and fears that tweens and teens encounter daily. He’s grappling with his sense of self, his belonging in a new community, and complicated family dynamics. This book is engaging, funny, heartfelt, and real. Nikhil and his family are East Indian. Nikhil is openly gay, and though his mother is supportive, not all adults in his family and community feel the same way. The issues of bullying, homophobia, and racism are addressed in age-appropriate ways and will resonate with young readers. Hand this book to fans of Rebecca Stead, Barbara Dee, and the like. Recommended for readers 4th grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME