Lotus Bloom and the Afro Revolution

A Black seventh grader navigates a racist dress code in this novel of protest by Winston (Jada Sly, Artist and Spy). Talented violinist Lotus Bloom, who rocks a vintage clothing style and sports an Afro, has recently been accepted into prestigious Atlantis School of the Arts, a “fancy new magnet school” that boasts the state’s best youth orchestra. Lotus’s best friend isn’t thrilled that Lotus is changing schools, firmly believing that Atlantis is “stealing away talented kids” and perpetuating underfunding at public MacArthur Middle. But Lotus quickly becomes smitten with Atlantis when she’s placed into the orchestra with her musical idol—faculty member Maestro Santiago Vasquez, “former Cuban refugee turned international violin virtuoso.” When she’s assigned to first-chair violin, though, she experiences retaliatory bullying from Adolpho Cortez, a ninth grade violinist whose parents were instrumental in the school’s creation. Adolpho describes Lotus online using racist memes, and encourages other students to bully her, and she’s soon found in violation of the school’s dress code “based on the unruly nature of her hair.” Ignoring her mother’s antiquated counsel, Lotus speaks out—for herself and for MacArthur Middle’s funding. Through the eyes of a sprightly, determined student, Winston delivers a powerful message about anti-Blackness, bullying, and institutionalized prejudice. Ages 9–11. (Sept.)