Lockington, Mariama J. In the Key of Us. Farrar, Straus & Giroux. 04/2022. 368pp. Fiction. GRADES 5 – 8. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Trade $16.99. 978-0-3743-1410-1.
Andi and Zora are thirteen-year-old Black girls attending a prestigious music camp, but they each bring their own mental health struggles to the summer. Andi is trying to heal following the sudden and tragic death of her mother. Zora has issues with anxiety and trying to please her parents, while also pursuing an interest in dance. Ultimately, Andi and Zora learn to lean on each other and to be true to themselves. The writing is lyrical and truthful, with distinct voices for the two main characters. It handles diversity well, especially showcasing the specific racism that Andi and Zora face in the white-dominated classical music world. The narrative also integrates issues of class and sexual orientation seamlessly. Fans of realistic middle grade fiction, subtle romances, and deep emotions will enjoy this book.
Lillian Whithaus — Berkeley Public Library