Small Town Pride [Hardcover]

From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of UsandAs 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 ofRickby Alex Gino andThe Best at Itby 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. Whycan’tthey 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 Pick
• A 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Middle Grade and Children’s Book
• ASchool Library JournalBest Book of 2022
• A Maine Student Book Award 2023-2024 Reading List Nominee

Stamper evidences his love for village life while acknowledging that life for gay kids can be difficult there. But where there’s strife, there’s hope, isn’t there? -Booklist

In a heartfelt middle grade debut, Stamper (Golden l“Ï