Book cover for The Swag Is in the Socks by Kelly J. Baptist

The Swag Is in the Socks

2021 Released
240 Pages
2-3 Hours
Audiobook Unavailable
Hardback Unavailable
Crown Books for Young ReadersISBN 9780593380888

Xavier Moon is stepping out of the shadows when his great-uncle gives him some outlandish socks and some even stranger requests. A story about heart, confidence, and standing on your own two feet that is perfect for fans of The Season of Styx Malone and The Parker Inheritance.

"An excellent read-alike to Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me or Janae Marks’ From the Desk of Zoe Washington.” –Booklist, Starred Review
 
"A warm but authentic picture of a middle schooler figuring out who he is and who he wants to be." –The Bulletin
 
Xavier Moon is not one to steal the show. He’s perfectly content to play video games and sit at his bedroom window watching the neighborhood talk outside.
 
But for Xavier’s twelfth birthday, he receives a pair of funky socks and a challenge from his great-uncle, Frankie Bell, saying it’s time to swag out and speak up. First on the list: get into the legendary Scepter League. Xavier’s grandfather, great-uncle, and father were all invited to join the elite boys’ after-school club that admits only the most suave and confident young men. Xavier has never had the courage to apply before, but his wild socks are getting him some big attention, so maybe it’s time to come out of the shadows and follow in his family's footsteps. Or maybe Xavier will march down a new path altogether.

Kelly J. Baptist

Kelly J. Baptist was born and raised in Michigan, but like Rose in Facing The Rising Son, her roots are in the South. Kelly is the award-winning author of eight books for kids, including Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero, The Electric Slide and Kai, and the NAACP Image Award-nominated Eb & Flow. In this next season of writing, Kelly strives to highlight the importance of knowing your family history and using it to fuel your present and future. Powered by her faith and heart for young people, Kelly is launching Kejeba Ink Publishing, which will publish serious writers under age 18. A huge Kobe Bryant fan, Kelly applies Mamba Mentality to the craft of writing. She is an HBCU grad (Oakwood University) and a member of Zeta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc.

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