Phil Stamper 
Small Town Pride 

From acclaimed author Phil Stamper (The Gravity of Us and As Far as Youll 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.Jake is just starting to enjoy life as his schools first openly gay kid. While his family and friends are accepting and supportive, the same cant be said about everyone in their small town of Barton Springs, Ohio.When Jakes dad hangs a comically large pride flag in their front yard in an overblown show of love, the mayor begins to receive complaints. A few people are even concerned the flag will lead to something truly outlandish: a pride parade.Except Jake doesnt think thats a ridiculous idea. Why cant they hold a pride festival in Barton Springs? The problem is, Jake knows hell have to get approval from the town council, and the mayor wont be on his side. And as Jake and his friends try to find a way to bring Pride to Barton Springs, it seems suspicious that the mayors son, Brett, suddenly wants to spend time with Jake.But someone that cute couldnt possibly be in league with his mayoral mother, could he?An ALA Rainbow List Pick A 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Middle Grade and Childrens Book A School Library Journal Best Book of 2022A Maine Student Book Award 2023-2024 Reading List Nominee