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...

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.

Jake is just starting to enjoy life as his school's first openly gay kid. 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.

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. A few people are even concerned the flag will lead to something truly outlandish: a pride parade.

Except Jake doesn't think that's a ridiculous idea. 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. 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.

But someone that cute couldn't possibly be in league with his mayoral mother, could he?

An ALA Rainbow List PickA 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Middle Grade and Children's BookA School Library Journal Best Book of 2022A Maine Student Book Award 2023-2024 Reading List Nominee

Author: Phil Stamper
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 05/31/2022
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.10h x 5.60w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9780063118782
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 04/01/2022 pg. 64
Publishers Weekly 04/11/2022
School Library Journal 06/01/2022 pg. 74
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2022

About the Author
Stamper, Phil: -

Phil Stamper is the bestselling author of The Gravity of Us, As Far as You'll Take Me, Golden Boys, and other queer books for kids and teens. He currently works in author development for a major book publisher in New York City, where he lives with his husband and their dog. Small Town Pride is his debut middle grade novel. Visit him at www.philstamper.com.