Stand: A journey of friendship and self-discovery

In Stand, readers are introduced to middle schooler Ethan Strong, whose journey to discover his own identity evolves over the course of a number of challenging and formative events. Largely by coincidence, Ethan is connected to a guarded agemate, Demarcus Washington. Slowly, over the summer, a friendship develops between the two boys, and Ethan discovers mysterious and endearing facets of his new friend's character. However, as summer comes to a close, Ethan and Demarcus part ways, heading to different middle schools in the city.

After a year apart, Clarkson Public School's new redistricting policy brings Ethan and Demarcus together again in seventh grade at Easton Middle School on the city's north side. Despite attempts to understand from a caring teacher, Mrs. Wright, Ethan is forced to come to terms with the repeated troubling treatment of Demarcus, by adults and classmates alike. He is driven to see his own advantages and Demarcus's challenges, as a young black boy in America. He must decide when and how he will stand for his growing awareness of prejudice and discrimination, and against his own privilege.

Stand is a unique, timely, and relevant book that will connect with all middle-grade readers. It is a book that speaks to all of us, young and old alike, about the power of self, of bravery, and of conviction to justice. Stand is a middle-grade roadmap for the journey of becoming a true friend and ally. This story will appeal to a broad audience of middle-grade and young adult readers who are in the midst of their own journey to understand how they fit in our diverse society.