Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s Radiant is a beautifully woven historical middle-grade novel in verse that shines with quiet strength and emotional clarity. Set in 1963, it follows the journey of Cooper Dale, a young Black girl growing up in a predominantly white suburb near Pittsburgh, as she struggles to define her identity and self-worth during one of America’s most turbulent eras.

Nelson masterfully captures the voice of a fifth grader caught between childhood innocence and the harsh realities of race and class. Through lyrical verse, Cooper’s story is both tender and raw as she grapples with schoolyard cruelty, a strict teacher, and the social stigma of her mother working for the family of the meanest boy in school. Her yearning to belong—to “shine”—is as heartfelt as it is relatable.

The backdrop of major historical events like the Birmingham church bombing, the assassination of President Kennedy, and the rise of Beatlemania adds powerful emotional depth without overwhelming Cooper’s personal narrative. The Beatles become a symbolic thread of connection and contrast for Cooper, highlighting the complex intersections of race, admiration, and identity.

What makes Radiant truly special is its honest portrayal of a loving Black family navigating a complicated world. The bond between Cooper and her older sister, as they swoon over the Beatles and share private joys, adds warmth and relatability.

While the verse format might require a bit of adjustment for readers unfamiliar with poetry, it ultimately enhances the emotional resonance of Cooper’s journey. Nelson’s poetic style is accessible and poignant, capturing the rhythm of Cooper’s thoughts and emotions.

Overall, Radiant is a compelling, empathetic, and historically rich novel that encourages young readers to reflect on who they are, where they come from, and what it truly means to shine.

Cooper wants to shine. But it’s scary to shine in a class where she’s the only student of color in 1963. Radiant is a beautiful story told in verse chronicling Cooper’s fourth grade year(?). And an eventful year it was, dealing with a bully, watching the Civil Rights movement, the Mercury, and the assassination of President Kennedy. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson paints a beautiful, vivid story of growing up during such a tumultuous year with a style and grace that captures a young girls voice but lends it gravity beyond her young years. Her lyrical narration will appeal to even the most reluctant poetry readers (like me) to keep reading and enjoying what I hope becomes a classic.

This was a beautiful verse novel that touched on many important themes: race, forgiveness, and family being at the forefront.
Cooper is the only colored person in her middle school class in 1963. She faces a lot of insensitive comments and moment from clueless classmates as well as blatant meanness and racism. She learns from her family and others that she is strong enough to forgive and not allow their ignorance to shape her self-worth. I loved the historical context of the girls falling in love with the Beatles. Your middle grade readers will love this one.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this novel in verse before its publication date.

This middle grade novel in verse tells the story of Cooper Dale as she attempts to find her place in the world, in her fifth grade class, and in her family. The format of the novel is a wonderful way to address some of the heavy topics that Cooper faces, from racism and bullying, to the assassination of the President.

A novel in verse makes this story of Cooper, a 10 year-old Black girl navigate through 5th grade in the 1960's. In an all white classroom except her she is a bright light except for Wade who is racist. While this is troublesome, Cooper remains upbeat with friends especially when discovering the Beatles and their music. Cooper finds that kindness and forgiveness can bring people together.

This lyrical novel in verse will captivate readers in just a few pages. Cooper’s light shines bright when when she can’t see it.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers

A lovely, heart-warming middle grade debut told from the perspective of Cooper, a thoughtful young Black girl coming of age in the 60s. Told through poignant verse, Cooper’s story resonates with readers and gives hope for the future. “Radiant” teaches readers about forgiveness and acceptance, and is a wonderful addition to classrooms and libraries.

Really great middle grades book in verse. Historical fiction set in the early 1960s in Pittsburgh.

Cooper Dale is a fifth grader, Black and wonderful. Her character is a perfect blend of sweet, fun and she deals with real problems many 10-year-olds face, and some that not all have to face. She plays with her school friends, church friends and cousins. She’s fallen in love with The Beatles. She’s striving to shine at school. But there, she is the only Black student has “the meanest” teacher and is picked on by a very mean and racist classmate.

Throughout the novel Cooper learns how to cope, maintain dignity and flourish. Even though she has stumbles, kids (and many adults) will see how Cooper stands strong through all her fifth grade year has to offer.

Really enjoyed this book!

Perfect for fans of Kwame Alexander, Jason Reynolds, Thanhha Lai or Jasmine Warga.

This book shines! This was a very easy read and I enjoyed the theme of kindness and forgiveness throughout it. It was easy to connect with all the characters, even Wade. I didn’t like him at first because of how mean he was to Cooper, but then by the end of the book, I wanted to give him a hug. It’s a great story and I think it should be a must read for every kid!

Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC. Wow, this will be an easy sell in my school Library. Novel in verse has become one of my favorite writing genre.
Radiant was filled with emotion and history. The year in 1963 and Cooper is struggling with a bully at school, being the only black student in her school and coming to terms with her mom being a hospice helper for her bully mom. This is a must read.

The book takes place in the early 1960's. Cooper struggles with being black and everything that means in the era of segregation and blatant inequality. She begins the story by telling the reader she wishes she was white. She is the "wrong color," but also has to be in the classroom of the meanest teacher in the school. She wants to move on to sixth grade without having to be in her class. In addition, she is confronted by a bully, the son of her mother's bosses. She loves her mom, but doesn't want anyone to know her mom is a maid.

Cooper navigates fifth grade learning about herself, her culture, the bully, her siblings, and finds the Beatles and how to be proud of who she is.

I plan to share Cooper's story with my students. Although they are in sixth grade, I think they will enjoy the journey with Cooper. I also think the book with be accessible to students on many levels of reading ability and comprehension.

I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Radiant is an ordinary journey but one that just shines. Cooper Dale is a great girl to know; one who struggles with her identity and her values but that stays true to them in the end.
It is introspective and slice of life; readers should come expecting a drive and good chat through the countryside, not a thrilling roller coaster.

Radiant by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is a middle grade novel-in-verse about a young girl, Cooper, that enters 5th grade with the goal of shining. However, between her strict teacher and the class bully, Wade, Cooper finds that shining is more difficult than she expected it to be.

Cooper faces a variety of challenges, both at school and at home, Some are because of the decade she lived in (1960s) and others are challenges that young readers today will also be able to relate to. I generally love novels-in-verse and I think that this one is exceptionally well-done. I would absolutely use this book as a class read aloud for 4th or 5th grade. Beyond teaching readers about language and history, it would be a great book to teach them empathy. I love the way that the characters grew over the course of a school year and there are so many tidbits that would lead to great group discussions!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to review an eARC of Radiant!

I like when a book unexpectedly makes my eyes water. Cooper is having a hard time in 5th grade but her family and friends pull her through. Her "bully" is struggling with a sick mom and Cooper is having a hard time balancing her dislike of Wade with empaphy for what he is facing. As a verse novel, the story moves quickly but creates strong emotions. The poetry is lovely!

A book told in verse. Cooper Dale, a 5th grader, is put into a teacher's class and she's heard all kinds of terrible rumors about how mean the teacher is. Think Miss Gulch from the Wizard of Oz. It's 1963 and Cooper happens to be the only "colored" person in her class. She struggles with the negative names for African Americans and doesn't understand why people just can't get along. And then there's Wade, a boy in her class who teases and bullies her. A sweet story about friendship, growing up, and forgiveness.

Cooper Dale is meant to shine and so are you. Her thoughtful, reflective story will give you all the feels. May we all learn to accept and forgive our neighbors.

Thank you Dutton Books for Young Readers for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Summary: In 1963, amidst historical turmoil and personal struggles, fifth-grader Cooper Dale navigates race, class, and identity in a predominantly white town while searching for her own way to shine.

My review: *Radiant* is a beautifully written and moving novel in verse that captures the heart and complexity of growing up in the 1960s. Through Cooper Dale’s journey, young readers are introduced to the history and pop culture of the era while exploring themes of race, class, faith, and identity. As Cooper learns that Black is beautiful, she also grapples with the power of forgiveness, discovering that kindness, love, and acceptance can shine even in difficult times. Heartwarming and powerful, this historical fiction novel is a must-read for middle-grade audiences.

Genres/Themes: Juvenile Fiction / Stories in Verse / African American / Historical - United States - 20th Century

Radiant is scheduled for publication on January 7, 2025, by Dutton Books for Young Readers.

This tender novel in verse details one girl's journey to acceptance of her race as she learns how to shine.

This lovely novel in verse is about Cooper Dale, a fifth grader who is the youngest child of a loving and supportive family in Pennsylvania in 1963. Cooper is worried about her new teacher, who has a reputation for being strict and she also sits next to a boy who is often mean to her. Cooper finds a way through, in a kind and loving way. Her wonderful family supports and guides her along her path through some of the historical events of that year. Kids are going to enjoy Cooper's beautiful voice and the wonderful images that Nelson creates with her poetry.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars - (Outstanding)
Setting: A predominantly white community near Pittsburgh
Genre: Historical Fiction (Middle Grade Novel in Verse)

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s Radiant is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel in verse that captures the struggles and triumphs of a young Black girl coming of age in a turbulent time. Set in 1963, against the backdrop of the Birmingham church bombing and the Kennedy assassination, the novel follows Cooper Dale as she navigates the complexities of race, class, and self-acceptance in a predominantly white community.

Cooper is an instantly relatable and endearing protagonist. Her voice is authentic, brimming with honesty, vulnerability, and quiet strength. As she faces bullying, self-doubt, and the weight of the world’s injustices, she also finds joy in music, family, and the small victories that help her grow into herself. Nelson’s lyrical writing makes every emotion feel raw and immediate, immersing readers in Cooper’s journey of discovering what it truly means to “shine.”

This is a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it feels like an experience. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of resilience, love, and identity, making it a must-read for young readers and adults alike. Radiant is a shining gem of historical middle-grade fiction that will linger in your heart long after the final page. #netgalley #radiant #booked_this_weekend