NIKHIL OUT LOUD

Eighth grade theater kids rise up against homophobia in their community.

A grandparent’s sickness brings 13-year-old Indian American voice acting star Nikhil Shah and his family from Los Angeles to Ohio. Starting eighth grade in a new school gives Nikhil anxiety, but he quickly befriends a crew: DeSean (who is Black), Monica (who is Korean American), and Mateo (who is Mexican American). Once his celebrity identity is discovered, Nikhil doesn’t just sign autographs and repeat, to his classmates’ delight, a catchphrase from Raj Reddy in Outer Space, the animated show he works on, but gets cast as the lead in the school’s musical revue. His profile rises even higher when Nikhil discloses to the school newspaper—and, essentially, the world—that he is gay. The overwhelming support is overshadowed by his Nana’s negative reaction and a community member’s homophobic letters and protests. But the cast members rally their school community behind Nikhil, using their art to make a powerful statement. Pancholy’s sophomore effort is a layered coming-of-age tale, melding puberty’s woes with familial expectations and grief. Unresolved tensions rise quickly in his Gujarati Nana and Nani’s household as the family members get reacquainted with each other but also pave the way for some truly tender moments. The sweet, peck-on-the-cheek–level romance is delightfully middle school—as is the squeeworthy joy alongside more difficult moments.

A timely affirmation that hate has no place in school.