- No wait, no problems
- Picture Books
- Who Was?
- Garfield
- What's new?
- Popular titles
- Check these out!
- See all
1 of 1 copy available
Jordan J has a lot to say.
Most people—including his parents, his teacher, the kids under the stairs, and even his own self—don't understand why he says all the things he says. It's probably the reason he's managed to earn a personal grudge from the school's dance team, the Hart Rocketeers, who are outraged by his brutally honest dance reviews in the school newspaper.
Basically the only thing he can concentrate on these days is performing on his favorite dance show, Fierce Across America. But with his mom's recent unemployment and money being so tight at home, his dreams are crashing. Suddenly, an opportunity arises in the form of Casey Price, the only Rocketeer who doesn't hate his guts. With her help, Jordan J just might have the chance to showcase his electric moves on national TV. But as he starts spending more time with Casey and less with his old friends, Jordan J begins to wonder how he can ever make everyone happy—including himself.
With a lovable cast of characters, never-before-seen dance moves, and bighearted passion, this exhilarating, laugh-out-loud novel-in-verse tells an honest, authentic story about friendship, dance, and self-confidence that celebrates different types of intelligence and shows how every kid deserves to become their own "divergent" self.
This third book in K.A. Holt's The Kids Under the Stairs series, Jordon J and the Truth About Jordan J will appeal to fans of House Arrest, Rhyme Schemer, and Knockout, in addition to fans of Jason Reynolds's Track series.
RENOWNED AUTHOR: K.A. Holt's books have been nominated for awards in more than 30 states. She is a trusted name and a favorite for middle grade readers!
PERFECT FOR RELUCTANT READERS: This book is written in free verse and includes a variety of other elements—chat logs, bullet-pointed lists, newspaper articles, and illustrations—welcoming readers It all different types of readers. The characters in the book also struggle with reading, but they are not shamed or looked down on for it, so readers with similar issues will feel understood.
VIDEO GAME APPEAL: The characters in the book play Sandbox, which readers will instantly recognize as a fictionalized version of Minecraft, an immensely popular game. Playing Sandbox is depicted as both cool and educational, which will uplift rather than shame young readers for playing video games.
Perfect for:
Reluctant readers
Video gamers
Fans of K.A. Holt
Teachers, educators, and librarians
-
Creators
-
Series
-
Publisher
-
Release date
September 27, 2022 -
Formats
-
Kindle Book
-
OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781797207629
-
EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781797207629
- File size: 33434 KB
-
-
Languages
- English
-
Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 950
- Text Difficulty: 5-6
-
Reviews
-
August 1, 2022
Who would've thought sweet dance moves and passion weren't enough for some people? In this third series entry, seventh grader Jordan J is obsessed with televised dance competition Fierce Across America, and auditions are coming to his Florida town! After his two-minute performance in front of the cameras, the fabulous host labels his choreography exceptional but his actual dancing abilities only so-so. Jordan is devastated, but Casey Price, another student at his school and the dance team captain, has made it to callbacks, and she asks Jordan to help her plan out an impressive routine. Meanwhile, Jordan is dealing with a few other issues, like getting his articles for newspaper club turned in on time, carving out "bro time" for himself and his friend Javier in their art class, and his family's financial struggles after his mom is unexpectedly laid off. Then there's the typical awkwardness of being Jordan J, dance maniac who can't go see his therapist for now because of money issues. Holt excels at keeping Jordan's neurodivergent behaviors and thoughts functionally realistic while he navigates a world where other characters casually acknowledge and support them. Rather than focusing on limitations, this work centers positive representation. Presented in varied formats, including online chats, news articles, notes, lists, brief scenes, and footnotes, the story will sustain readers' interest. Two characters are cued as Latine; others are minimally described. A delightful school story that brings some booyah! (Fiction. 8-12)COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
-