Nikhil Out Loud

BIPOC

Lambda Literary Award Winner for LGBTQ+ Middle Grade

From the acclaimed actor and Stonewall Honor–winning author of The Best at It, Maulik Pancholy, comes a new middle grade novel about a gay Indian American boy who learns the power of using his voice. For fans of Merci Suárez Changes Gears and Better Nate Than Ever.

Thirteen-year-old Nikhil Shah is the beloved voice actor for Raj Reddy on the hit animated series Raj Reddy in Outer Space. But when his mom temporarily moves them to the small town in Ohio where she grew up to take care of Nikhil’s sick grandfather, Nikhil feels as out of orbit as his character.

Nikhil’s fame lands him the lead in the school musical, but he’s terrified that everyone will realize he’s a fraud once they find out he has stage fright. And when a group of angry parents start to protest having an openly gay actor in the starring role, Nikhil feels like his life would be easier if only he could be Raj Reddy full-time.

Then Nikhil wakes up one morning and hears a crack in his voice, which means his job playing Raj will have to come to an end. Life on earth is way more complicated than life on television. And some mysteries—like new friendships or a sick grandparent or finding the courage to speak out—don’t wrap up neatly between commercial breaks.

 
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# of Pages: 320

Book Binding: Paperback

Year of Publication: 2023

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Language: en

ISBN: 9780063091931

Maulik Pancholy is an American actor, voice actor, and author. He is best known for his roles as Jonathan on the hit TV show 30 Rock and Baljeet on the animated series Phineas and Ferb. Pancholy was born in Ohio and attended Northwestern University, where he studied acting. In addition to his successful acting career, Pancholy is also a talented writer. He has written for numerous publications, including The New York Times and The Huffington Post. Nikhil Out Loud is his debut novel, and it explores themes of identity, family, and acceptance. Pancholy currently resides in Los Angeles, where he continues to pursue his passion for acting and writing.