Nikhil Out Loud.
Nikhil Out Loud is a 2023 Lambda Literary Award winner and A Kirkus Best Book of 2022!
See pictures of Maulik’s 2022 Book Tour HERE.
Cover illustration: Nabi H. Ali. Cover design: David DeWitt.
A 2023 Lambda Literary Award Winner
An ALA Rainbow List Top Ten Book
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books
An Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids
A 2024 Washington D.C. Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens
A 2024-2025 Massachusetts Children’s Book Award Nominee
A San Francisco Public Library Recommended Summer Reading Book
A Seattle Public Library Staff Pick for Kids
A Chicago Public Library Battle of the Books Selection
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, making it clear they’re not happy with an openly gay TV star being 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 about what’s right—don’t wrap up neatly between commercial breaks.
“Pancholy’s sophomore effort is a layered coming-of-age tale, melding puberty’s woes with familial expectations and grief…. The sweet, peck-on-the-cheek–level romance is delightfully middle school—as is the squeeworthy joy alongside more difficult moments. A timely affirmation that hate has no place in school.”
“Told in Nikhil’s earnest, compassionate narration, this look at authenticity and representation richly layers themes of family and community, and the support needed to grow into oneself.”
“With swift prose and chapters that include bits of television scripts full of space adventure, this is a great choice for thespians, emerging teens, and anyone who needs a little extra push to use their voice, and it will be an especially powerful read in conjunction with accounts of what queer students deal with in the face of homophobia. Fans of Raina Telgemeier’s Drama or Nate Federle’s Better Nate than Ever will appreciate this.”
“Pancholy’s excellent narration has listeners cheering for Nikhil, his family, and his friends as they unite to overcome and find joy. This timely tale about being your true self and finding loving support through difficult circumstances is a superb listen.”
“Absolutely charming! NIKHIL OUT LOUD is a deeply heartfelt and moving story about identity, courage, and belonging. This is the exact kind of affirming story that kids need right now.”
“A charming, inspiring, edge-of-your-seat tale that will pull at your heartstrings as it celebrates the importance of acceptance, love, family, and true friendship in all its glorious diversity. The world needs this story right now!”
“I adored Nikhil and his kind and generous heart, humility, and honesty. And I know kids will be cheering for this lovable and relatable protagonist as he finds courage while facing big changes.”
“Nikhil Shah is an extraordinary kid in ordinary circumstances, and his story is hugely sweet and incredibly moving. Nikhil’s dilemmas are so real they made my voice crack in sympathy, but Maulik also gives us a vision of the world—and middle school—as it could be. Get ready.”