{"product_id":"keeping-it-real-isbn-9780062965691","title":"Keeping It Real","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“Fun and juicy.”—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“A solid story of summer growth and exploration.”—\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMarigold Johnson is looking forward to a future full of family, friends, and fashion—but what will she do when it all explodes in her face? When she discovers that her entire life is a lie?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePaula Chase, the author of \u003ci\u003eSo Done, Dough Boys, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Turning Point\u003c\/i\u003e, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgiveness—and what it means to be family—in this stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Renée Watson.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. \u003ci\u003eKeeping It Real\u003c\/i\u003e is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase’s character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat happens when the girl who seems to have it all finds out her whole life is built on a lie?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eA Shocking Secret Sister:\u003c\/b\u003e Marigold thinks her biggest problem is Kara, the new girl at the summer fashion program who hates her on sight. The truth is much, much closer to home.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eComplex Friendship Drama:\u003c\/b\u003e As the tension with Kara escalates, Mari’s relationship with her best friend Justice is tested, forcing her to question who she can really trust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePrivate School and Class Divides:\u003c\/b\u003e A powerful look at the pressure to fit in, as Marigold navigates her elite private school, her family’s hip-hop legacy, and the judgment that comes with both.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eA Powerful Coming-of-Age Story:\u003c\/b\u003e Perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Renée Watson, this novel tackles tough questions about family, forgiveness, and what it truly means to be real.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e | \u003cp\u003e\"Fun and juicy.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“[At] Style High, a summer program designed to boost Black kids who are interested in careers in fashion design and styling . . . Mari’s in for an awakening ruder than she expected, one that will make her question what she knows about her family and background. The socio-economic and racial dynamics of this story add a compelling dimension . . . fits squarely into the lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous genre of realistic fiction that is just a touch fantastic with all its glitz and glamour. . . . A solid story of summer growth and exploration.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Fourteen-year-old Marigold Johnson is an aspiring fashion designer . . . Marigold’s summer only becomes more complicated when she uncovers a secret that turns her world completely upside down. Chase explores the strength and power of familial bonds and friendships when faced with hardships. The book also delves into the topics of conformity and identity and the weight that they hold on an adolescent’s sense of belonging. This will resonate with tweens and teens who are gaining an understanding of who they are and where they fit in.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Chase delivers a contemporary narrative on the complexities of race, class privilege, and interpersonal relationships, exploring being ‘Black enough’ through a flawed but resonant cast navigating empathy, friendship, and family.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Marigold Johnson fears she’s drifting apart from her best friend . . . So when Justice lands a fashion internship the summer after their eighth grade, she decides to join him. . . . Marigold’s blindness to her privilege and her effect on the other kids is painfully believable, and the revelation of the family secret is a real twist . . . Marigold’s emotional, often un-self-aware narration makes her story especially ripe for discussion about perspectives and relationship dynamics.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBulletin of the Center for Children’s Books\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Marigold ‘Mari’ Johnson is used to straddling two worlds. . . In an unexpected revelation, Mari is forced to rethink what privilege truly means, and how to handle it responsibly. . . . Chase turns her full attention to themes of classism within the Black community.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eHorn Book Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The book does a refreshing job exploring friendship, socioeconomic classes, and race. . . . Middle grade readers who enjoy stories about fashion and friendship, rooted in real-world issues, will enjoy.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greenwillow Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44889567101157,"sku":"NP9780062965691","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780062965691.jpg?v=1730231511","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/keeping-it-real-isbn-9780062965691","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}