Nikhil Out Loud by Maulik Pancholy (ARC Review)

 

Synopsis:

From the acclaimed actor and Stonewall Honor–winning author of The Best at It, Maulik Pancholy, comes a new middle grade novel about a gay Indian American boy, the voice actor of a hit animated series, who learns the power of using his own voice after his family moves to a small town in Ohio.

Thirteen-year-old Nikhil Shah is the beloved voice actor for Raj Reddy on the hit animated series Raj Reddy in Outer Space. But being a star on TV doesn’t mean you have everything figured out behind the scenes. . . .

When his mom temporarily moves them to the small town in Ohio where she grew up to take care of Nikhil’s sick grandfather, Nikhil feels as out of orbit as his character.

Nikhil’s fame lands him the lead in the school musical, but he’s terrified that everyone will realize he’s a fraud once they find out he has stage fright. And when a group of conservative parents start to protest, making it clear they’re not happy with an openly gay TV star being in the starring role, Nikhil feels like his life would be easier if only he could be Raj Reddy full-time.

Then Nikhil wakes up one morning and hears a crack in his voice, which means his job playing Raj will have to come to an end. Life on earth is way more complicated than life on television. And some mysteries—like new friendships or a sick grandparent or finding the courage to speak out about what’s right—don’t wrap up neatly between commercial breaks.

My Thoughts:

I loved this middle grade book! I was invested in Nikhil's story from the first few paragraphs. I enjoyed learning about his journey as a voice actor, and his transition from L.A. to Ohio. Moving can be hard in any situation, but adapting to a new work environment and living with estranged extended family members add extra elements to struggle through. His anxieties about first making new friends, and then his voice changing, felt very real. And of course, Nikhil coming out publicly at his new middle school also leads to some controversy - as well as lots of support. 

And that's what I loved most about this book. It's not a gloomy book AT ALL. It's filled with kind people, supportive families, and lots of optimism. Nikhil was a fun character to read about, and I'd definitely read a Young Adult book about his journey through high school. 

Thank you to Edelweiss and Balzer + Bray for an ARC. Look for Nikhil Out Loud in bookstores on 10/11/22.