Louder Than Words

Following her involvement in a tragedy at her former school that resulted in expulsion, high school junior Jordyn Jones is eager to start fresh. As she makes friends and crushes on Izaiah, her new school’s artistic soccer star, she and others are dogged by a podcast called Tomcat Tea. The anonymously run show shares school rumors—both fact and fiction—for the joy of “wreaking havoc with gossip.” After Jordyn is repeatedly targeted, she sets out to unmask the podcaster and take a stand against bullying—even as she endures escalating threats demanding that she publicize her own deep, dark secret. Intermittent flashbacks gradually reveal the events of Jordyn’s past. Jordyn’s struggles feel plausible and sometimes disturbing, and the often-serious subject matter is levied by engaging banter throughout. A heartfelt examination of issues surrounding bullying, complicity, social media, and redemption, this collaborative work by Woodfolk (The Beauty That Remains) and actor Underwood is teeming with suspense and ethical dilemmas that coalesce in a resolution that provokes further contemplation about the themes addressed. Jordyn is Black; supporting characters are queer and racially diverse. Ages 12–up. Agents: (for Woodfolk) Beth Phelan, Gallt & Zacker Literary; (for Underwood) Cait Hoyt, CAA and Katie Rhodes, Untitled Entertainment. (June)