In the Key of Us

"In the Key of Us is a touching and heartfelt story that rhythmically follows the ache and joy of first love and finding yourself. Lockington manages to hit all the right notes, breaking your heart and filling you with joy as she looks at grief, growing up, and the healing power of friendship." --Lisa Moore Ramee, author of A Good Kind of Trouble and Something to Say

"Warm and poetic, this gentle and emotional story of first love between two complicated and dynamic young girls completely captured my heart." --Jasmine Warga, Newbery Honor Award-winning author of Other Words For Home and The Shape of Thunder

"In the Key of Us gives voice to the rich inner lives of Black kids and celebrates their loves while holding space for their losses in equal measure. It is a joyous celebration of music and art, loneliness and togetherness, and what it means to grow up and find peace in the world and within yourself. A charming, life-affirming, queer band camp novel I never knew I needed. I'm thrilled that the world has it now." --Ashley Woodfolk, acclaimed author of The Beauty That Remains and When You Were Everything

"IN THE KEY OF US is a symphony of a novel. Andi and Zora each struggle with family and friendships, expectations and loss, but during their summer filled with music, they form a bond that helps them on their path to self-discovery and healing. Mariama Lockington has written a story that is complex, lyrical, and true--a story that will make your heart sing." --Rajani LaRocca, award-winning author of Midsummer's Mayhem, Red, White and Whole, and Much Ado about Baseball

"Lockington's lyrical writing is tender and masterful. IN THE KEY OF US captures the many ways growing up is hard, exhilarating, unpredictable, and beautiful. Here, there is no pretense that life is easy but there is promise that there can be second chances, healing, and so much love." --Renee Watson, New York Times Bestselling Author