Chad Lucas, author of Thanks A Lot, Universe and Let The Monster Out

So many readers will feel seen in these pages. Small Town Pride captures the complexities of contemporary queer kids with incredible nuance and empathy. Ashley Herring Blake, author of Stonewall Honor Book Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World This is a story I wish I had as a young reader. Tender and empowering all at once, Small Town Pride is a story of bravery, friendship, and not only finding one's voice, but using it to make a difference. Greg Howard, author of The Whispers and The Visitors With endearing characters and a timely message of love and acceptance, Small Town Pride is a charming story of friendship, family, and living your truth beyond your wildest dreams. Ortega, award-winning author of Witchlings S mall Town Pride is a queer Footloose for the middle grade crowd, with heart, laughs, and a journey that will make readers stand up and cheer. But where there’s strife, there’s hope, isn’t there? - Booklistįull of warmth, hope, and joy, Phil Stamper's middle grade debut is an absolute celebration! - Julie Murphy, New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin' Stamper evidences his love for village life while acknowledging that life for gay kids can be difficult there.

A Maine Student Book Award 2023-2024 Reading List Nominee.

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2022.

A 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Middle Grade and Children’s Book.

And as Jake and his friends try to find a way to bring Pride to Barton Springs, it seems suspicious that the mayor’s son, Brett, suddenly wants to spend time with Jake.īut someone that cute couldn’t possibly be in league with his mayoral mother, could he? Why can’t they hold a pride festival in Barton Springs? The problem is, Jake knows he’ll have to get approval from the town council, and the mayor won’t be on his side. A few people are even concerned the flag will lead to something truly outlandish: a pride parade.Įxcept Jake doesn’t think that’s a ridiculous idea. When Jake’s dad hangs a comically large pride flag in their front yard in an overblown show of love, the mayor begins to receive complaints.

While his family and friends are accepting and supportive, the same can’t be said about everyone in their small town of Barton Springs, Ohio. Jake is just starting to enjoy life as his school’s first openly gay kid. From acclaimed author Phil Stamper ( The Gravity of Us and As Far as You’ll Take Me) comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Perfect for fans of Rick by Alex Gino and The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy.

Small town pride phil stamper