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.

At times it felt like Nikhil's family, friends, and school were TOO supportive. This had the potential to make the story seem unbelievable, but the way Malik Pancholy writes, it evokes a feeling of what the world ought to be. A great story that belongs on all middle grade shelves.

Maulik Pancholy’s debut middle grade novel, The Best at It was what got me pumped up for Nikhil Out Loud, and I loved them both.

Nikhil is not a typical 8th grader: he’s a voice actor for an animated series! His mom decides to move from LA to Ohio to help his ailing grandfather, Nana, but luckily Nikhil can record episodes from a studio in Ohio. What Nikhil is not prepared for is trying out for the school musical, hearing his voice change, and the protests from a local parent about Nikhil being openly gay and the star of the musical.

There is so much realness in this book: family ties, friendship (new and old), speaking up for what’s right, and regular middle school life.

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books, and Maulik Pancholy for the opportunity to read this e-ARC!

10/10
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for the arc!
Nikhil Out Loud is a middle grade fiction that follows Nikhil, a child voice actor of famous Indian cartoon character Raj Reddy, as he starts to experience some major changes in life. When his nana starts to get sick, Nikhil and his mom move to be closer to him, leaving Nikhil in a new school for the start of 8th grade. He must navigate new friends, connecting with his nana and nani after only seeing them in person once before and rarely calling them, his voice changing which could affect his voice acting career, and coming out as gay.
I really liked this book and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a middle grade read! The characters are well written, the cast is diverse and supportive, and the character growth is great. It does not shy away from difficult topics, and is not afraid to have characters not know the answers to things. It is a very satisfying plot with a good ending, and is one of the best middle grade books I've read!

I loved this book! Nikhil faces so much! But he is stronger because of all of it. There is just so much to say about this book.
I loved the friendships and the families. I loved the diversity and inclusion.
Such a good representation of a supportive school and community!
A book every collection needs!


Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This review is based on an uncorrected proof. There may be changes in the final book.

Nikhil has a kid's dream job. As the voice actor of Raj Reddy in a popular animated series, he has a Kids choice award, lots of recognition, and an amazing best friend. No boyfriend yet, but he's comfortable and accepted as himself, When his mother decides to move them to Ohio to spend time with his grandparents, since his grandfather isn't doing well physically, he faces a lot of changes. Some are good, some, not so much,

This book takes on the "Kid with an amazing life" trope, and deconstructs it into a tale of recognizing your roots, that representation matters, and culture, standing up for who you are, and, ultimately, that change happens, both good and bad,

This is an excellent book, It's exactly what kids should have access to. It's also one that, in my part of the country, would likely be considered unacceptable due to having an openly Gay young protagonist and classmates and teachers who support him against homophobic people in the community. I think it would be an excellent choice, but it will have to go in my curbside Little Free Library, not my classroom one.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for an eARC of this book.

Nikhil is a gay Indian American boy entering the 8th grade. He is also the voice of cartoon hero Raj Reddy from a hit animated show. He and his mom move back to Ohio to help take care of his sick Nana. In Ohio, Nikhil makes new friends and tries out for the school musical. He lands the lead role, but Nikhil can't sing and his voice has started to change! Plus, an angry parent is concerned that an openly gay student is in the school musical.

This is pretty close to perfect when it comes to middle-grade books. The characters are believable and relatable with bonus points because the adults are not over-the-top caricatures. Okay, some of the teachers are a little silly, but have you actually met a middle school teacher? It's accurate.

The book stresses the importance of being yourself and speaking up for yourself in a healthy and realistic way. The way the kids handle conflict among themselves and with the homophobic parent sets a great example for young readers to follow.

My one complaint would be the ending with Nana felt a little rushed, but everything else was spot on.

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Nikhil is a star! A gay Indian American boy who voices a popular cartoon character, Nikhil is thriving. But what happens when he must move to a small Ohio town so his mom can help take care of his grandma and old-fashioned, traditionally Indian grandpa? And what will happen to his career when his voice starts to crack and change? A really great middle grade read about standing up for yourself and using your voice for good. Really enjoyed reading about the concerns he had about his voice changing - I'm sure this anxiety is something many young boys go through, but I've never really read about it before!

Thank you, Balzer + Bray, for allowing me to read this story early.

I adored The Best at It and was eagerly waiting for Nikhil Out Loud. I’m always anxious when I start reading highly anticipated reads, but that was not necessary in this case. I treasured Nikhil with my whole heart and flew through the pages. Loved this gem of a book!