Longlisted for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature
Lotus Bloom just wants to express herself - with her violin, her retro style, and her fabulous hair. This year, Lotus is taking her talent and spirit to a new school of the arts. But Lotus' best friend, Rebel, thinks Lotus should stay at their school. Why should this fancy new school get all the funding and pull the brightest kids out? Rebel wants 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. Then, when boys throw paper airplanes into Lotus's afro, Lotus finds herself in trouble for a dress code violation. Should she stay quiet and risk her beloved hair or risk everything to fight back?