*SIGNED BOOKPLATE*

*2022 National Book Award Longlist*

From the author of President of the Whole Fifth Grade, a story about a Black girl who stands up for herself against a racist dress code.

Lotus Bloom is a free spirit with a mega-’fro she’s affectionately named “the wooly mammoth.” A talented violinist, she just switched from her inner-city school to a fancy arts academy. Her best friend Rebel is quick to point out the funding disparities between schools, and urges Lotus to help her protest, but Lotus isn’t sure; if she’s going to be in the spotlight, she’d rather it be for her music.

But when a classroom prank targeting Lotus and her hair shockingly gets her in trouble, she must choose whether to stay quiet or fight back. Is this school really where she belongs? Inspired by real Black girls standing up against unjust school dress codes, beloved middle grade author Sherri Winston introduces a memorable character who decides to stand up for what’s right, no matter what it takes.