Forever Is Now

In the Key of Us:
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

"[In the Key of Us] is also a work of art, full of delights: appealing characters, camp traditions, light romance, middle school friendship, poetry, music, the pleasures of creative work." —The New York Times

"Navigating sensitive topics like body image, mental health, racism, grief, and healthy relationships with a gentle hand, this moving coming-of-age story is perfect for tweens and young teens." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Alternating the two perspectives with verse interstitials, Lockington (For Black Girls Like Me) weaves an exploration of mental health, self-harm, and microaggressions with a love letter to music, the importance of representation, and the work of sticking up for the person one dreams of becoming." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Told in Andi’s and Zora’s alternating perspectives, the well-paced coming-of-age narrative is sprinkled with contemporary references that bolster its authenticity as it sensitively explores topics such as racism and self-harm and offers a touching portrayal of young queer love...Vivid writing and relatable characters make this a worthwhile read." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review


"Lockington elevates what is already an insightful middle-grade romance to a moving portrayal of two girls working toward themselves and each other, carrying the weight of other people’s expectations and the pain of past traumas... An authentic look at how identity and relationships transform under shifting middle grade dynamics, this is a must-have for fans of Paula Chase and Frances O’Roark Dowell." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review


"Lockington skillfully and delicately incorporates into her middle-grade romance anxiety, self-harm, coming out as LGBTQ+, microaggressions and the reality of how difficult life can be for children of color. In the Key of Us ultimately sends a message of hope and freedom that underlines the importance of children and teens letting the world see them for who they really are." —Shelf Awareness, starred review

Praise for Black Girls Like Me:
*A Today Show Best Children's Book of 2019!*

*The Guardian Best Book of 2019!*

*A Good Morning America Recommended Read!*
*A 2020 ALA Notable Middle-Grade Novel!*
*A Booklist 2019 Editors' Choice!*

*A School Library Journal Best Book of 2019!*

*An ALSC Notable Book!*
*A Junior Library Guild Selection!*

"Lockington’s middle grade debut is a gorgeous, tender depiction of a young Black girl seeking the space to thrive . . . the versatility of its style and structure means this novel could be used in many group discussions centering topics from transracial adoption to genre-blending literature. VERDICT An ­essential purchase for all collections." —School Library Journal, starred review
"An outstanding middle grade debut . . . With intimate authenticity, she explores how fierce but “colorblind” familial love can result in erasure and sensitively delineates the pain of facing casual racism, as well as the disconcerting experience of being the child of a mentally ill parent." —Publishers Weekly, starred review


"In this #OwnVoices middle-grade debut, Lockington captures the joy and angst of transracial adoption . . . an authentic and intimate portrayal . . . this is a necessary read for girls struggling with identity and purpose within their families, as well as a powerful coming-of-age story of Black womanhood." —Booklist, starred review


"Distinctive, lyrical prose with poems interspersed throughout. Keda's world is richly drawn and seamlessly presented in a strong, authentic voice. This magnificent middle grade debut from Mariama J. Lockington is an absolute gift of a book." —BookPage, starred review


"Lockington's focused imagery and impressively balanced rhythm between prose and poetry share the perspective of a black girl trying to find a place in her community and in her family." —Shelf Awareness, starred review