The Swag Is in the Socks

By: Kelly J. Baptist

Narrated by: Nile Bullock

Xavier Moon is stepping out of the shadows when his great-uncle gives him some outlandish socks and some even stranger requests. A story about heart, confidence, and standing on your own two feet that is perfect for fans of The Season of Styx Malone and The Parker Inheritance.

"An excellent read-alike to Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me or Janae Marks’ From the Desk of Zoe Washington.” –Booklist, Starred Review

"A warm but authentic picture of a middle schooler figuring out who he is and who he wants to be." –The Bulletin

Xavier Moon is not one to steal the show. He’s perfectly content to play video games and sit at his bedroom window watching the neighborhood talk outside.

But for Xavier’s twelfth birthday, he receives a pair of funky socks and a challenge from his great-uncle, Frankie Bell, saying it’s time to swag out and speak up. First on the list: get into the legendary Scepter League. Xavier’s grandfather, great-uncle, and father were all invited to join the elite boys’ after-school club that admits only the most suave and confident young men. Xavier has never had the courage to apply before, but his wild socks are getting him some big attention, so maybe it’s time to come out of the shadows and follow in his family's footsteps. Or maybe Xavier will march down a new path altogether.

Critic reviews

"An excellent read-alike to Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me or Janae Marks’ From the Desk of Zoe Washington.” –Booklist, Starred Review

"A deeply funny and relatable story of growth.” –Kirkus Reviews

"Warmly familiar, intergenerational look at getting to know oneself." –Publishers Weekly

"­Readers will enjoy this incredibly charming lead character, and they’ll root for him as he ­navigates the challenges of school and family life." -School Library Journal

"A deeply funny and relatable story of growth.” –Shelf Awareness

"[A] thoughtfully written book with lots of Black boy joy." -The Horn Book