Nikhil Out Loud, Maulik Pancholy

Description

Nikhil Out Loud
by Maulik Pancholy
Hardcover | October 10, 2023

What happens when the voice that makes you special is the very thing you’re afraid of losing?

In Nikhil Out Loud, Maulik Pancholy delivers a heartfelt, funny, and deeply affirming middle grade novel about identity, courage, and learning when—and how—to speak up. Thirteen-year-old Nikhil Shah is used to being heard: he’s the voice actor behind Raj Reddy, star of the hit animated series Raj Reddy in Outer Space. But when his mom moves them from California to a small town in Ohio to care for Nikhil’s ailing grandfather, real life feels far more intimidating than anything he’s faced in a recording booth.

Nikhil’s celebrity lands him the lead role in the school musical, but behind the scenes he’s struggling with stage fright and the fear of being exposed as a fraud. Things grow even more complicated when a group of parents protests having an openly gay actor in the starring role, making Nikhil wish he could escape back into his animated alter ego full-time.

Then the unthinkable happens: Nikhil’s voice begins to change, signaling the end of his job as Raj Reddy. Forced to confront who he is without the role that defined him, Nikhil must navigate new friendships, family worries, public scrutiny, and the courage it takes to be fully himself—without a script.

A Lambda Literary Award winner for LGBTQ+ Middle Grade, Nikhil Out Loud is a warm, honest coming-of-age story about queerness, cultural identity, and the power of finding your own voice, even when it shakes.

This title is a remainder, offered at half the original cover price. Remainder copies are new and unread, but may show minor shelf wear.