Nikhil Out Loud
Nikhil Out Loud by Maulik Pancholy, published by HarperCollins Publishers on October 10, 2023, is a middle grade novel that explores the journey of a gay Indian American boy discovering the importance of his voice. This edition spans 320 pages and is presented in English. The story follows thirteen-year-old Nikhil Shah, a voice actor known for his role in the animated series Raj Reddy in Outer Space, as he navigates the challenges of moving to a small town in Ohio to care for his ailing grandfather.
Readers will find Nikhil grappling with stage fright and the pressures of being in the spotlight when he lands a lead role in the school musical. As he faces opposition from parents protesting his casting due to his sexual orientation, Nikhil’s internal struggles deepen, especially when he experiences a change in his voice that threatens his career. The narrative touches on themes of family, health, and the complexities of adolescence, illustrating how real-life challenges can be more intricate than those portrayed on screen.
Official synopsis Publisher
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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