Description

A Good Kind of Trouble

At twelve years old, Shayla embodies the quintessential rule-follower, a beacon of compliance in junior high’s often chaotic and unpredictable world. With her neatly organized notebooks and meticulously planned schedule, she approaches each day with a steadfast commitment to staying out of trouble.

Her aspirations, while seemingly simple, carry a weight of significance: she longs to nurture her cherished friendships, excel in track and field, and perhaps, just perhaps, catch the eye of a boy who can see beyond her prominent forehead—a feature she has come to view with a mix of pride and insecurity. However, as she steps into the chaotic realm of seventh grade, the familiar landscape of rules she once relied upon shifts dramatically.

The once-clear boundaries of social interactions blur, leaving her disoriented and questioning her place among her peers. The laughter and camaraderie she once took for granted now feel like a distant memory, replaced by an undercurrent of tension and uncertainty that permeates the hallways.

The social dynamics of junior high are proving to be far more intricate and challenging than Shayla had ever anticipated. She finds herself grappling with the unsettling realization that some classmates are labeling her as “not black enough,” a comment that strikes at the very core of her identity and leaves her feeling isolated and misunderstood.

This label, laden with implications, forces Shay to confront her sense of belonging within her racial and cultural identity. Meanwhile, her older sister Hana is deeply immersed in the Black Lives Matter movement, passionately advocating for justice and equality. Shay has always felt somewhat disconnected from this cause, viewing it as something that belonged to older generations or those more outspoken than herself.

However, after witnessing the raw energy and passion of a protest firsthand, Shay begins to reconsider her stance. The experience ignites a spark within her, awakening a desire to engage with the world around her. Inspired by the voices of those fighting for change, she makes the bold decision to don an armband to school in solidarity with the movement. This choice, however, quickly polarizes her classmates, thrusting her into the center of a heated debate and forcing her to confront the reality of taking sides in a world that often demands conformity.

Shay Under Pressure

As Shay navigates this new terrain, she is engulfed by a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. The pressure mounts when she is presented with an ultimatum from her peers, leaving her torn between the desire to conform to their expectations and the need to express her beliefs authentically.

The validity of her feelings, wondering if she has somehow failed to meet the expectations of her peers. The weight of this judgment hangs heavily on her shoulders, amplifying her insecurities and making her feel like an outsider in a space that should feel familiar.

As she navigates the hallways, Shayla becomes acutely aware of the subtle cues and gestures that define her classmates’ interactions. The laughter that once felt inviting now seems to echo with exclusion, and the whispers that float through the air carry a sting that she can’t quite shake off. She watches as groups form and reform, each with their unspoken hierarchies and alliances, and she feels like a ghost, hovering on the periphery of a world that is both tantalizing and terrifying.

In her quest for acceptance, Shayla begins to alter her behavior, trying on different personas in hopes of fitting in. She experiments with her style, attempting to adopt the trends that dominate the hallways, but each change feels like a mask that only serves to obscure her true self. The vibrant colors and patterns that once brought her joy now feel like a costume, and she grapples with the fear that no matter how hard she tries, she will never be able to shed the label that has been thrust upon her.

The pressure to conform weighs heavily on her, and she finds herself retreating into the safety of her organized notebooks and planned schedules, seeking solace in the predictability of her academic life. Yet, even in her studies, she feels the creeping anxiety of social expectations. Group projects become a source of dread, as she worries about how her contributions will be perceived and whether her classmates will accept her ideas or dismiss them outright.

Amidst this turmoil, Shayla clings to her aspirations, using them as a lifeline to navigate the stormy seas of junior high. She pours her energy into track and field, where the rhythm of her feet pounding against the track offers a brief escape from the chaos of her social life. The exhilaration of running, the rush of adrenaline, and the camaraderie of her teammates provide a fleeting sense of belonging that she desperately craves. Yet, even in these moments of triumph, the shadow of her insecurities looms large, reminding her of the boy she hopes to impress and the friendships she longs to solidify.

As the weeks pass, Shayla begins to realize that the journey to self-acceptance is not a straight path but a winding road filled with obstacles and detours.

The wind whipping through her hair provides a fleeting sense of freedom that contrasts sharply with the constricting atmosphere of the school.

Each lap around the track becomes a moment of clarity, a time when she can shed the weight of judgment and simply focus on the rhythm of her breath and the strength of her legs. In those moments, she feels powerful and in control, a stark contrast to the uncertainty that permeates her interactions with her peers.

However, even in this sanctuary, the specter of comparison looms large. Shayla can’t help but notice the effortless way some of her teammates bond, their laughter ringing out like a melody she longs to join. She watches as they share inside jokes and supportive high-fives, and she yearns to be part of that camaraderie. Yet, the fear of rejection holds her back, and she often finds herself running alone, even in a crowd. The track becomes both a refuge and a reminder of her isolation, a place where she can excel but still feel like an outsider.

As the days turn into weeks, Shayla grapples with the duality of her existence. She is a diligent student and a dedicated athlete, yet she feels like a puzzle piece that doesn’t quite fit into the picture of her social world. The pressure to maintain her grades and excel in sports is compounded by the relentless need for acceptance, creating a whirlwind of anxiety that threatens to overwhelm her. She often lies awake at night, her mind racing with thoughts of what she could have said differently or how she could have presented herself in a way that might have garnered approval.

In her search for belonging, Shayla begins to confide in her journal, pouring her thoughts and feelings onto the pages in a desperate attempt to make sense of her experiences. Writing becomes a therapeutic outlet, a space where she can express her fears without the fear of judgment. She chronicles her daily struggles, the moments of triumph on the track, and the crushing weight of loneliness that often follows her. Through her words, she begins to untangle the complex web of her emotions, slowly realizing that her worth is not defined by the opinions of others.

One day, as she flips through her journal, she stumbles upon a passage where she writes about her dreams of becoming a professional athlete. The words resonate with her, igniting a spark of determination that she thought had been extinguished. Shayla decides that rather than trying to fit into the mold of what her peers expect, she will embrace her individuality and pursue her passions unapologetically.

Lisa Moore Ramée grew up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where the sun shines brightly and dreams are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Now, she has made her home in the picturesque landscapes of Northern California, sharing her life with her husband, their daughter, a spirited cat known for its mischievous antics, and a lively dog that, despite its rambunctious nature, has a heart of gold. This blend of family and furry companions creates a lively household filled with love and laughter, reflecting the warmth of her personality.

A passionate advocate for the power of dreams, Lisa firmly believes that aspirations can indeed become reality. Her literary contributions include the acclaimed book “A Good Kind of Trouble,” which earned her the prestigious Walter Dean Myers Honor, as well as “Something to Say” and “MapMaker.” Each of her works resonates with readers, capturing the essence of youthful experiences and the journey of self-discovery, making her a cherished voice in contemporary literature.

For those eager to delve deeper into her world and explore her stories, Lisa invites readers to connect with her online at lisamooreramee.com. Her website serves as a gateway to her creative endeavors, offering insights into her writing process and the inspirations behind her books. Through her engaging narratives, Lisa continues to inspire others to embrace their dreams and share their unique stories with the world.

Lisa Moore Ramée

Lisa Moore Ramée grew up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where the sun shines brightly and dreams are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Now, she has made her home in the picturesque landscapes of Northern California, sharing her life with her husband, their daughter, a spirited cat known for its mischievous antics, and a lively dog that, despite its rambunctious nature, has a heart of gold. This blend of family and furry companions creates a lively household filled with love and laughter, reflecting the warmth of her personality.

A passionate advocate for the power of dreams, Lisa firmly believes that aspirations can indeed become reality. Her literary contributions include the acclaimed book “A Good Kind of Trouble,” which earned her the prestigious Walter Dean Myers Honor, as well as “Something to Say” and “MapMaker.” Each of her works resonates with readers, capturing the essence of youthful experiences and the journey of self-discovery, making her a cherished voice in contemporary literature.

For those eager to delve deeper into her world and explore her stories, Lisa invites readers to connect with her online at lisamooreramee.com. Her website serves as a gateway to her creative endeavors, offering insights into her writing process and the inspirations behind her books. Through her engaging narratives, Lisa continues to inspire others to embrace their dreams and share their unique stories with the world.

Thoughts

“Gripping from the opening line, A Good Kind of Trouble is a tender, insightful, and unique look at what it means to stand up for what you believe in and be brave. Shay is the type of heroine who inspires us all to take a stand.” — Jay Coles, author of Tyler Johnson Was Here

“Ramée effectively portrays the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement and the difficulty of navigating complex social situations while conveying universal middle school questions about friendship, first crushes, and identity. Shay’s journey is an authentic and engaging political and personal awakening.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Shayla navigates the world of middle school and the troubled world beyond with wit and endless heart. A timely, funny, and unforgettable debut about friendship, facing your fears, and standing up for what’s right.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Reminiscent in writing style to works by Lauren Myracle and Jason Reynolds, this novel [shows] Shayla’s typical middle school problems, then switches to the very specific problems she faces as a young black girl in America…[For] middle-grade readers who aren’t yet ready for Thomas’s The Hate U Give.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

“Shayla’s narration is both sympathetic and acutely realistic. This is a sensitive exploration of contemporary racism and inequity for a readership not ready for Thomas’ The Hate U Give.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books