And as Jake and his friends try to find a way to bring Pride to Barton Springs, it seems suspicious that the mayor’s son, Brett, suddenly wants to spend time with Jake. Why can’t they hold a pride festival in Barton Springs? The problem is, Jake knows he’ll have to get approval from the town council, and the mayor won’t be on his side. A few people are even concerned the flag will lead to something truly outlandish: a pride parade.Įxcept Jake doesn’t think that’s a ridiculous idea. When Jake’s dad hangs a comically large pride flag in their front yard in an overblown show of love, the mayor begins to receive complaints. Perfect for fans of Rickby Alex Gino and The Best at Itby Maulik Pancholy. While his family and friends are accepting and supportive, the same can’t be said about everyone in their small town of Barton Springs, Ohio. From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Usand As Far as You’ll Take Me) comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Jake is just starting to enjoy life as his school’s first openly gay kid. And as Jake and his friends try to find a way to bring Pride to Barton Springs, it seems suspicious that the mayor's son, Brett, suddenly wants to spend time with Jake.From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Us and As Far as You’ll Take Me) comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Perfect for fans of Rick by Alex Gino and The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy. Why can't they hold a pride festival in Barton Springs? The problem is, Jake knows he'll have to get approval from the town council, and the mayor won't be on his side. A few people are even concerned the flag will lead to something truly outlandish: a pride parade.Įxcept Jake doesn't think that's a ridiculous idea. When Jake's dad hangs a comically large pride flag in their front yard in an overblown show of love, the mayor begins to receive complaints. While his family and friends are accepting and supportive, the same can't be said about everyone in their small town of Barton Springs, Ohio. Jake is just starting to enjoy life as his school's first openly gay kid. Perfect for fans of Rick by Alex Gino and The Best at It by Maulik Pancholy. Stamper always writes with such great care, depth and compassion, and this very special story should inspire all those people living in small towns around the world to live and be who they are.

“From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Us and As Far as You'll Take Me) comes a poignant coming-of-age, contemporary middle grade debut novel about finding your place, using your voice, and the true meaning of pride. Although this is set in rural America, the themes explored are universal for small towns across the globe.

Small town pride by phil stamper