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From the author of the critically acclaimed novel For Black Girls Like Me, Mariama J. Lockington, comes a coming-of-age story surrounding the losses that threaten to break us and the friendships that make us whole again.
Thirteen-year-old Andi feels stranded after the loss of her mother, the artist who swept color onto Andi’s blank canvas. When she is accepted to a music camp, Andi finds herself struggling to play her trumpet like she used to before her whole world changed. Meanwhile, Zora, a returning camper, is exhausted trying to please her parents, who are determined to make her a flute prodigy, even though she secretly has a dancer’s heart.
At Harmony Music Camp, Zora and Andi are the only two Black girls in a sea of mostly white faces. In kayaks and creaky cabins, the two begin to connect, unraveling their loss, insecurities, and hopes for the future. And as they struggle to figure out who they really are, they may just come to realize who they really need: each other.
In the Key of Us is a lyrical ode to music camp, the rush of first love, and the power of one life-changing summer.
Genre: Children's Fiction
Thirteen-year-old Andi feels stranded after the loss of her mother, the artist who swept color onto Andi’s blank canvas. When she is accepted to a music camp, Andi finds herself struggling to play her trumpet like she used to before her whole world changed. Meanwhile, Zora, a returning camper, is exhausted trying to please her parents, who are determined to make her a flute prodigy, even though she secretly has a dancer’s heart.
At Harmony Music Camp, Zora and Andi are the only two Black girls in a sea of mostly white faces. In kayaks and creaky cabins, the two begin to connect, unraveling their loss, insecurities, and hopes for the future. And as they struggle to figure out who they really are, they may just come to realize who they really need: each other.
In the Key of Us is a lyrical ode to music camp, the rush of first love, and the power of one life-changing summer.
Genre: Children's Fiction
Praise for this book
"IN THE KEY OF US is a symphony of a novel. Andi and Zora each struggle with family and friendships, expectations and loss, but during their summer filled with music, they form a bond that helps them on their path to self-discovery and healing. Mariama Lockington has written a story that is complex, lyrical, and true-a story that will make your heart sing." - Rajani LaRocca
"In the Key of Us is a touching and heartfelt story that rhythmically follows the ache and joy of first love and finding yourself. Lockington manages to hit all the right notes, breaking your heart and filling you with joy as she looks at grief, growing up, and the healing power of friendship." - Lisa Moore Ramée
"Warm and poetic, this gentle and emotional story of first love between two complicated and dynamic young girls completely captured my heart." - Jasmine Warga
"Lockington's lyrical writing is tender and masterful. IN THE KEY OF US captures the many ways growing up is hard, exhilarating, unpredictable, and beautiful. Here, there is no pretense that life is easy but there is promise that there can be second chances, healing, and so much love." - Renée Watson
"In the Key of Us gives voice to the rich inner lives of Black kids and celebrates their loves while holding space for their losses in equal measure. It is a joyous celebration of music and art, loneliness and togetherness, and what it means to grow up and find peace in the world and within yourself. A charming, life-affirming, queer band camp novel I never knew I needed. I'm thrilled that the world has it now." - Ashley Woodfolk
"In the Key of Us is a touching and heartfelt story that rhythmically follows the ache and joy of first love and finding yourself. Lockington manages to hit all the right notes, breaking your heart and filling you with joy as she looks at grief, growing up, and the healing power of friendship." - Lisa Moore Ramée
"Warm and poetic, this gentle and emotional story of first love between two complicated and dynamic young girls completely captured my heart." - Jasmine Warga
"Lockington's lyrical writing is tender and masterful. IN THE KEY OF US captures the many ways growing up is hard, exhilarating, unpredictable, and beautiful. Here, there is no pretense that life is easy but there is promise that there can be second chances, healing, and so much love." - Renée Watson
"In the Key of Us gives voice to the rich inner lives of Black kids and celebrates their loves while holding space for their losses in equal measure. It is a joyous celebration of music and art, loneliness and togetherness, and what it means to grow up and find peace in the world and within yourself. A charming, life-affirming, queer band camp novel I never knew I needed. I'm thrilled that the world has it now." - Ashley Woodfolk
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