Mascot
What if a school's mascot is seen as racist, but not by everyone? In this compelling middle-grade novel in verse, two best-selling BIPOC authors tackle this hot-button issue.
In Rye, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, people work hard, kids go to school, and football is big on Friday nights. An eighth-grade English teacher creates an assignment for her class to debate whether Rye’s mascot should stay or change. Now six middle schoolers–-all with different backgrounds and beliefs–-get involved in the contentious issue that already has the suburb turned upside down with everyone choosing sides and arguments getting ugly.
Told from several perspectives, readers see how each student comes to new understandings about identity, tradition, and what it means to stand up for real change.
"Waters and Sorell's plain spoken verse is always sharp and direct." —The New York Times Book Review
“The kids and I are so grateful for this gift you both have given to teachers, kids, and our world.” –Ms. Corgill, 5th Grade Teacher, Alabama
* A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2023
* A New York Public Library Best Book of 2023
* A National Public Radio "Books We Love" title of 2023
Book At A Glance
# of Pages: 256
Book Binding: Hardcover
Year of Publication: 2023
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Language: en
ISBN: 9781623543808
Creator Bio
Charles Waters is an American poet, author, and performer. He has published several books of poetry for children, including "Buddy and Ballerina Save the Library" and "Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship" which he co-wrote with Irene Latham. Waters is also a professional actor and has performed in various productions across the country. He is known for his energetic and engaging performances that bring his words to life. Traci Sorell is a Cherokee Nation citizen who writes fiction and nonfiction for young readers. She has authored several award-winning books, including "We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga" and "Indian No More." Sorell's writing often focuses on Native American culture and experiences, and she is passionate about sharing diverse perspectives with readers through her work. Both Waters and Sorell collaborated to write the heartwarming and empowering children's book, "Mascot."
