Longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature
Member of the 2023 Notable Books for a Global Society (NGBS) List
From the beloved author of President of the Whole Fifth Grade, a story
about a young Black girl who summons the courage to fight against a
discriminatory dress code--and stand up for herself.
Lotus Bloom just wants to express herself--with her violin, her retro
style, and her peaceful vibe, not to mention her fabulous hair.
This school year, Lotus is taking her talent and spirit to the seventh
grade at a new school of the arts. The one where she just might get to
play under the famous maestro, a violin virtuoso and conductor of the
orchestra. But Lotus's best friend, Rebel, thinks Lotus should stay at
their school. Why should this fancy new school get all the funding and
pull the brightest kids out? Rebel wants Lotus to help her protest, but
Lotus isn't sure. If she's going to be in the spotlight, she'd rather it
be for her music.
Then, when boys throw paper wads and airplanes into Lotus's afro, Lotus
finds herself in trouble for a dress code violation. Lotus must
choose--should she stay quiet and risk her beloved hair, or put aside
her peaceful vibe and risk everything to fight back?
Inspired by real stories of Black girls fighting dress codes that
discriminate against their hair and culture, beloved author Sherri
Winston introduces a memorable character who finds her way to speak up
for what's right, no matter what it takes.
