{"product_id":"keeping-it-real-9780062965691","title":"Keeping It Real","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Fun and juicy.\"--\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"A solid story of summer growth and exploration.\"--\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarigold Johnson is looking forward to a future full of family, friends, and fashion--but what will she do when it all explodes in her face? When she discovers that her entire life is a lie?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaula Chase, the author of \u003cem\u003eSo Done, Dough Boys, \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Turning Point\u003c\/em\u003e, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgiveness--and what it means to be family--in this stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Renée Watson.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarigold Johnson can't wait to attend a special program at her family's business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she's out of place compared to the three other trainees--and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara's been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. \u003cem\u003eKeeping It Real\u003c\/em\u003e is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase's character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eChase, Paula:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaula Chase\u003c\/strong\u003e is the cofounder of \u003cem\u003eThe Brown Bookshelf\u003c\/em\u003e, a site designed to increase awareness of African American voices writing for young readers. She lives in Annapolis, Maryland. Her novels include the acclaimed\u003cem\u003e So Done\u003c\/em\u003e and its companion, \u003cem\u003eDough Boys\u003c\/em\u003e. www.paulachasehyman.com\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Greenwillow Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50520292032786,"sku":"9780062965691","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_632f3392-3f1a-41fe-bc6e-28fdfd1d2d73.jpg?v=1731080201","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/keeping-it-real-9780062965691","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}