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The Swag Is in the Socks
Xavier Moon is stepping out of the shadows when his great uncle gifts his with outlandish socks and 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.
Xavier Moon is not one to steal the show. He's perfectly content to play his Switch 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 after-school elite boys' 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.
Xavier Moon is not one to steal the show. He's perfectly content to play his Switch 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 after-school elite boys' 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.
234 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2021
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329 people want to read
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November 1, 2021This transcendantly delightful middle-grade novel is about Xavier, nicknamed Moonie, who prefers to lurk in the background mostly due to his stutter, but also because he doesn't have a "thing." He's lousy at sports, and not good at much of anything. He longs to join a group at school whose members are the leaders in everything--the best of the best, and what that means is part of the charm of this book.
Moonie lives with his delightful Aunt Kat, because both parents are in jail. His big sister Shannon lives with him, and tries her best to mother him. Right before seventh grade is to begin, he gets a letter from his great uncle, who is a one of a kind person--a jazz musician always on the move. The letter encourages Moonie to find his own thing, and to begin by wearing a pair of wild socks. At first he thinks the socks bring him good luck . . . until he gets to school and discovers that the only elective open to him is . . . sewing class?
What happens, who Moonie meets, unfolds with charm and heart. Moonie has a stutter but the story is not about the stutter. His parents are in jail, but the story is not about having parents in jail. (He still loves his parents, and looks forward to that weekly call.)
The story is about Moonie finding his own self expression, but it's also about family, and friendship, and creativity, and expression. The narrative style is so vivid I could hear the voices, echoes of my students.
I fell into this book hard, and could not get any of my work done until I'd turned the last page.
Copy provided by NetGalley
Moonie lives with his delightful Aunt Kat, because both parents are in jail. His big sister Shannon lives with him, and tries her best to mother him. Right before seventh grade is to begin, he gets a letter from his great uncle, who is a one of a kind person--a jazz musician always on the move. The letter encourages Moonie to find his own thing, and to begin by wearing a pair of wild socks. At first he thinks the socks bring him good luck . . . until he gets to school and discovers that the only elective open to him is . . . sewing class?
What happens, who Moonie meets, unfolds with charm and heart. Moonie has a stutter but the story is not about the stutter. His parents are in jail, but the story is not about having parents in jail. (He still loves his parents, and looks forward to that weekly call.)
The story is about Moonie finding his own self expression, but it's also about family, and friendship, and creativity, and expression. The narrative style is so vivid I could hear the voices, echoes of my students.
I fell into this book hard, and could not get any of my work done until I'd turned the last page.
Copy provided by NetGalley
April 24, 2023
This is such a cute book! Our hero is a young boy. Up until now he has been practically invisible, then his great uncle sends him a pair of socks with a note insisting he wear them. The socks begin to change his world.
A wonderful, heartfelt book with characters that jump off the page! A story about the strength of families and the courage we find within ourselves. I would happily recommend this book to young people. It should definitely be in the school curriculum.
A wonderful, heartfelt book with characters that jump off the page! A story about the strength of families and the courage we find within ourselves. I would happily recommend this book to young people. It should definitely be in the school curriculum.
April 30, 2023
The Swag Is in the Socks is a sweet portrayal of a boy finding his voice and growing his confidence with some help from his community. Featuring a protagonist -- with a stutter and incarcerated parents -- who doesn't let others define him, this book makes for an inspiring, charming read. With strong family dynamics and an overarching sense of community, this book is perfect for sock fiends, fans of Black middle grade books, and those who love stories featuring strong male friendships.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2022
It is a goood book qat the begginging it is really good but torward the end it sqtarts to get a little boring othewise an amazing book i reccomend it to anyone who needs some confidence
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February 18, 2022
This story about confidence and standing on your own two feet made a great addition to my Black History Month Book Bingo card!
July 4, 2021
One of the main things I love about this book is that although Xavier stutters, this book is not about how to make him stop stuttering. In fact, not really a spoiler, he is still stuttering when this book ends.
No, instead this is the story about how Xavier, who wants to be in this elite service organization at his school, learns how to have confidence, and take on leadership skills, despite being stuck in a sewing glass, as the only boy amongst the girls.
And the socks? The socks are a gift from his great uncle who is a musician, and constantly traveling, but he feels that if Xavier will just wear the socks, that the confidence will follow.
Cute story of finding your "voice" to to speak. Well written, and good way to show you don't have to be perfect at everything, to still have confidence in yourself.a
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
No, instead this is the story about how Xavier, who wants to be in this elite service organization at his school, learns how to have confidence, and take on leadership skills, despite being stuck in a sewing glass, as the only boy amongst the girls.
And the socks? The socks are a gift from his great uncle who is a musician, and constantly traveling, but he feels that if Xavier will just wear the socks, that the confidence will follow.
Cute story of finding your "voice" to to speak. Well written, and good way to show you don't have to be perfect at everything, to still have confidence in yourself.a
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
September 30, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. Here is that review:
5 stars
I was instantly hooked on Moonie, and I think most readers will join me in this space!
Xavier, a.k.a. Moonie, is the main character of this extremely charming middle grade novel. From the start, it's clear that Moonie's parents are both incarcerated, and he is living with extended family (including a total character highlight: Aunt Kat). His relationship with his parents is referenced in an organic manner. Moonie mentions short calls on important occasions, and when he thinks about upcoming milestones, it's easy to make the leap that it might be painful for him to miss having his parents there. What is so well accomplished, though, is that in addition to this disappointment, Moonie is surrounded by people who care about him deeply. The underlying messages are there, but they are nuanced in the best way.
Moonie is so fun to get to know. His relationships are developed, and it's exciting to see him interact with friends, family, and struggles. He experiences a number of challenges, including navigating pretty scary family moments and trying to manage his stuttering. The scenes around speech therapy are brief, but I really enjoy the depiction of the characters and various attitudes/experiences there. I expect many readers will enjoy seeing themselves in these spaces.
Moonie is really one of the most endearing characters I have encountered in a long time. Despite his challenges, he has an incredibly positive attitude (but not in an annoying way). Many young readers will learn to overcome adversity from watching him do so gracefully. This not-so-young reader feels like I learned a thing or two from him, too. I'll be recommending this one to students for a long time to come!
5 stars
I was instantly hooked on Moonie, and I think most readers will join me in this space!
Xavier, a.k.a. Moonie, is the main character of this extremely charming middle grade novel. From the start, it's clear that Moonie's parents are both incarcerated, and he is living with extended family (including a total character highlight: Aunt Kat). His relationship with his parents is referenced in an organic manner. Moonie mentions short calls on important occasions, and when he thinks about upcoming milestones, it's easy to make the leap that it might be painful for him to miss having his parents there. What is so well accomplished, though, is that in addition to this disappointment, Moonie is surrounded by people who care about him deeply. The underlying messages are there, but they are nuanced in the best way.
Moonie is so fun to get to know. His relationships are developed, and it's exciting to see him interact with friends, family, and struggles. He experiences a number of challenges, including navigating pretty scary family moments and trying to manage his stuttering. The scenes around speech therapy are brief, but I really enjoy the depiction of the characters and various attitudes/experiences there. I expect many readers will enjoy seeing themselves in these spaces.
Moonie is really one of the most endearing characters I have encountered in a long time. Despite his challenges, he has an incredibly positive attitude (but not in an annoying way). Many young readers will learn to overcome adversity from watching him do so gracefully. This not-so-young reader feels like I learned a thing or two from him, too. I'll be recommending this one to students for a long time to come!
February 10, 2022
Xavier Moon has spent his summer sitting in his room and playing video games. But at the start of the school year, his great-uncle gifts him a pair of fancy socks and some advice to find the thing that is important to Xavier. He spends the school year trying to get into the Scepter League, learning how to sew, and visiting the speech therapist about his stutter. By the next year, Xavier has grown and matured tremendously as well as found his own swag.
A great middle grade book focusing on school, family, and being an individual. The main characters, supporting characters, and representation were all amazing; and the author handled some of the more difficult topics with ease.
A great middle grade book focusing on school, family, and being an individual. The main characters, supporting characters, and representation were all amazing; and the author handled some of the more difficult topics with ease.
November 2, 2021
Yes, the swag is in the socks and Xavier's newfound skills and swag attributed to him being gifted some socks and then being folded into an elite group at his school is helping him overcome some of the other issues that he's got going on include his stuttering, his lack of confidence, and some of his family.
It's a quintessential middle grade with positivity over adversity in which there still is hope in the world to make some good. And there are good people all around as long as you're willing to let them in. Xavier comes full circle and the socks are what make the (twelve year old) man.
It's a quintessential middle grade with positivity over adversity in which there still is hope in the world to make some good. And there are good people all around as long as you're willing to let them in. Xavier comes full circle and the socks are what make the (twelve year old) man.
March 21, 2023
My Readers are Leaders (RAL) book club members enjoyed this story, the characters (especially wallflower protagonist Xavier Moon and his sassy, “filter-free” great aunt!My RAL students gave the book the equivalent of 4 out of 5 stars. They reviewed it on our library’s Children’s Insta account (= their leadership task for the club).
For a couple of students, it was their first exposure to African American colloquial expressions (TBC)
For a couple of students, it was their first exposure to African American colloquial expressions (TBC)
February 18, 2023
Middle school appropriate. Super cute, warm, and positive. The intergenerational family was so wonderfully loving and supportive. There were a ton of things in the story that could have been painted as problems but weren’t (for example, the main character has a stutter). Lots of really positive portrayals of diversity. A generally upbeat, gentle story.
October 1, 2022
It was too long. But it was good. I do not have a favorite part. But I liked that he kept following his dream to be on the League. And I liked that he had swag socks.
July 19, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) or (6.71/10)
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 7
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 7
Characters - 7
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 7
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 7
October 28, 2021
Xavier Moon’s primary goal as he enters 7th grade is to be inducted into the elite Scepter Society. There is one problem, however, Xavier isn’t much of a leader and is content to watch the world go by from his bedroom window. And he stutters. But everything begins to change when his great uncle starts sending him encouraging cryptic messages along with pairs of crazy socks. When he wears the socks to school people start to notice Xavier, some for what might be the first time. The socks seem magical and give him the confidence he needs to pursue his dream and become the leader he was meant to be. This is a wonderful middle grade read about stepping out of your comfort zone and realizing the magic within yourself. It’s presented in a fun engaging way. Highly recommended. I look forward to more from this author. Thanks to Crown Books for Young Readers and Netgalley for giving me a digital advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2022
I picked this book up on a whim and I'm so glad I did! It was so fun and had so much heart. I loved the story of Xavier figuring out what his "thing" is--I was amazed by how much I related to it.
June 9, 2022
I love the whole book! the ending was really good but wasn't ready❤️
June 13, 2022
This book dug a little deeper than I was expecting. Xavier is a very likable character and I enjoyed watching him grow.
My one complaint: You don't make socks by sewing pieces of fabric together. I guess you COULD, but socks are basically always knit in the round. It's a big part of what makes them stretchy. Sewn socks wouldn't be nearly as comfortable. They would learn about this in a sewing class. This factual error detracts from one scene with emotional gravitas at the end of the book.
My one complaint: You don't make socks by sewing pieces of fabric together. I guess you COULD, but socks are basically always knit in the round. It's a big part of what makes them stretchy. Sewn socks wouldn't be nearly as comfortable. They would learn about this in a sewing class. This factual error detracts from one scene with emotional gravitas at the end of the book.
December 14, 2022
i love the part with the black socks and xavier is like “dude what the heck”
its so funny
bro i love this book it’s so unique
its so funny
bro i love this book it’s so unique
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2021
This is a cute story that could have used a little more fleshing out.
Xavier is a typical middle school boy. He is trying to find his footing and figure out who he is, and what his "thing" will be. He lives with his great-aunt, sister and his great-uncle (who travels a lot, playing music). His parents are both incarcerated, but he is surrounded by family who love him. His goal this year is to be invited to join the Scepter League, a group of young men at his school who do service projects, dress up in fancy blazers, and receive mentoring from other men of color who are successful. His grandfather, great-uncle and father all were in the Scepter League, and he can't wait to follow in their footsteps.
Before school starts, Xavier receives a package from his great-uncle. He always sends strange presents from the road, and this one is no different. It is a pair of crazy, colorful socks. Why would Uncle Frankie send him those, and does he really want to wear them?
Xavier's year doesn't go exactly as he hoped it would be, but he begins to wear colorful socks every day (Frankie keeps sending him more). People love his socks, and they do give him the "swag" he needs to make his dreams come true.
This is really a 3.5 star book, mostly because while the premise is great, and the characters are great, the story feels too short. The ending is abrupt and while it is satisfying, I feel more could be said about the characters and where they ended up. I also questioned whether the Scepter League was really what Xavier needed, or if he could get the same benefits going his own way.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!
Xavier is a typical middle school boy. He is trying to find his footing and figure out who he is, and what his "thing" will be. He lives with his great-aunt, sister and his great-uncle (who travels a lot, playing music). His parents are both incarcerated, but he is surrounded by family who love him. His goal this year is to be invited to join the Scepter League, a group of young men at his school who do service projects, dress up in fancy blazers, and receive mentoring from other men of color who are successful. His grandfather, great-uncle and father all were in the Scepter League, and he can't wait to follow in their footsteps.
Before school starts, Xavier receives a package from his great-uncle. He always sends strange presents from the road, and this one is no different. It is a pair of crazy, colorful socks. Why would Uncle Frankie send him those, and does he really want to wear them?
Xavier's year doesn't go exactly as he hoped it would be, but he begins to wear colorful socks every day (Frankie keeps sending him more). People love his socks, and they do give him the "swag" he needs to make his dreams come true.
This is really a 3.5 star book, mostly because while the premise is great, and the characters are great, the story feels too short. The ending is abrupt and while it is satisfying, I feel more could be said about the characters and where they ended up. I also questioned whether the Scepter League was really what Xavier needed, or if he could get the same benefits going his own way.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!
December 9, 2021
Xavier Moon is used to being a boy in the background. But now that he's twelve, he's old enough to try to get into the Scepter League, an elite club for young men who conduct themselves like kings. Therefore, Xavier has to work on his leadership skills, and upping his "sock game" with the help of his uncle may be just what Xavier needs in The Swag Is in the Socks by author Kelly J. Baptist.
Well! The hero of this middle grade novel has understandable reasons for keeping quiet much of the time, and there's plenty about his personal life that isn't perfect. So it was great watching this kid (who wonders what his "thing" could be) do some serious thinking and find truly admirable footing.
I was mildly interested through the first third or so as I waited to see how the plot would come together; the laugh-out-loud moments throughout the book certainly helped.
There's a lot of cussing in Xavier's family that isn't spelled out on the page, and some of the adults' dialogue includes words like "hell" and "damn" in their nonliteral senses. Hence, not a "squeaky" juvenile read on that score, but the air around me didn't turn blue.
I found the story's last third or so to be pretty amazing, both with events that tugged my heart and others that made me stop and applaud. And can we take a sec to appreciate how on point the book cover is, with tin-grinned Xavier leaning on the novel's title and showcasing his sock game?
Swagged out, young Mr. Moon.
Well! The hero of this middle grade novel has understandable reasons for keeping quiet much of the time, and there's plenty about his personal life that isn't perfect. So it was great watching this kid (who wonders what his "thing" could be) do some serious thinking and find truly admirable footing.
I was mildly interested through the first third or so as I waited to see how the plot would come together; the laugh-out-loud moments throughout the book certainly helped.
There's a lot of cussing in Xavier's family that isn't spelled out on the page, and some of the adults' dialogue includes words like "hell" and "damn" in their nonliteral senses. Hence, not a "squeaky" juvenile read on that score, but the air around me didn't turn blue.
I found the story's last third or so to be pretty amazing, both with events that tugged my heart and others that made me stop and applaud. And can we take a sec to appreciate how on point the book cover is, with tin-grinned Xavier leaning on the novel's title and showcasing his sock game?
Swagged out, young Mr. Moon.
March 2, 2023
This is a charming coming of age story following 12-year-old Xavier Moon, who lacks confidence, in part due to his stuttering, learning to find his 'thing' in life.
As a coming of age story, the plot is fairly simplistic and the stakes are never all that high, but the main character is charming, and I enjoy watching him progressively learn who he is, who he wants to be, and take the steps to accomplish it. It's nice to see that he doesn't stay to long in moments of discouragement, and always (with the help of those around him) picks himself up and keeps moving forward. The ending, without giving it away, is very heartwarming as well and everything the character gets and does feels earned.
The story is has a very strong "boy becomes man" theme - a lot of it is about Xavier taking charge, wanting to impress girls, and being a leader. It also does this without relying on traditionally male activities - Xavier gets stuck in a sewing class and organizes a school dance. Personally, I loved this aspect of the story but it might not be everyone's flavor because it is very much a story aimed at boys.
My only annoyance is that the story has a lot of slang and 'kid-talk'. I didn't mind the slang because it's part of the voice of the character (Kelly's first book, Isaiah Dunn, which I loved, had this too), but the kid-talk got annoying, especially in the school scenes because it started to overwhelm both the dialogue and the narrative.
As a coming of age story, the plot is fairly simplistic and the stakes are never all that high, but the main character is charming, and I enjoy watching him progressively learn who he is, who he wants to be, and take the steps to accomplish it. It's nice to see that he doesn't stay to long in moments of discouragement, and always (with the help of those around him) picks himself up and keeps moving forward. The ending, without giving it away, is very heartwarming as well and everything the character gets and does feels earned.
The story is has a very strong "boy becomes man" theme - a lot of it is about Xavier taking charge, wanting to impress girls, and being a leader. It also does this without relying on traditionally male activities - Xavier gets stuck in a sewing class and organizes a school dance. Personally, I loved this aspect of the story but it might not be everyone's flavor because it is very much a story aimed at boys.
My only annoyance is that the story has a lot of slang and 'kid-talk'. I didn't mind the slang because it's part of the voice of the character (Kelly's first book, Isaiah Dunn, which I loved, had this too), but the kid-talk got annoying, especially in the school scenes because it started to overwhelm both the dialogue and the narrative.
August 29, 2021
Twelve-year-old Xavier Moon's goal for 7th grade is simple: follow in the footsteps of the men in his family and land a spot in the extremely selective Scepter League. The League's pillars promote leadership, education, service, and character, and Xavier's confident he has what it takes to be the newest member. But what if his "thing" is meant to stretch beyond the Scepter League? Xavier's mission to find his swagger is aided by his eccentric musician uncle, Frankie Bell, who sends Xavier strange, thought-provoking letters accompanied by equally unique socks. The socks open the door for Xavier's confidence to grow, leading him to speak up at school, which is something that had previously been a challenge for Xavier due to his stutter. Readers will enjoy the relatability of Xavier's school life, including a normalizing glimpse into speech support programs. I love that Xavier's speech issues and struggles with imprisoned parents are not magically solved at the end of the story; rather, he and the reader see ways to succeed despite life circumstances. Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Books for Young Readers for this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2021
Xavier Moon is about to enter seventh grade when he starts receiving letters from his great-uncle Frankie Bell, a musician who still tours. The letters start arriving a day or two after his twelfth birthday, and they contain bits of advice that Xavier isn't quite sure what to do with. A birthday gift that arrived at the same time is even odder: a pair of socks with a unique design on them. His life begins to change from the first time he wears the socks.
THE SWAG IS IN THE SOCKS is, at its core, about gaining confidence in yourself. Xavier learns to roll with the disappointments that come his way. He is turned down for the Scepter League, a club for young men, but doesn't give up the dream. He deals with having to take an introductory sewing class for an elective because the art class he signed up for had too many students. He learns a better way to deal with his stuttering.
I enjoyed Kelly J. Baptist's story for middle readers. I will look for other books in the future.
I received a DRC from Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House Children's Books through NetGalley, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.
THE SWAG IS IN THE SOCKS is, at its core, about gaining confidence in yourself. Xavier learns to roll with the disappointments that come his way. He is turned down for the Scepter League, a club for young men, but doesn't give up the dream. He deals with having to take an introductory sewing class for an elective because the art class he signed up for had too many students. He learns a better way to deal with his stuttering.
I enjoyed Kelly J. Baptist's story for middle readers. I will look for other books in the future.
I received a DRC from Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House Children's Books through NetGalley, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.
April 1, 2022
Xavier, "Moonie," Moon has lived his life on the sidelines so far and that's all right with him. But seventh grade is starting and with it a chance to join the Scepter League. All the men in Moonie's family have been invited to be part of the Scepter League, and Moonie can't let this opportunity pass him by. Sure the odds are stacked against him (trigger warnings: both parents are incarcerated and Moonie and his big sister are being raised by their great aunt & uncle), yet when mysterious packages arrive bearing socks with swag and strong life advice will Moonie take this chance to step off of the sidelines?
I loved the characters in this book. I cannot say that hard enough, and I will be recommending this. The writer made interesting choices with her characters and didn't give easy outs. The ending did come quickly and I wonder if Moonie could have been just as happy I also appreciated how the author treated the stutter. Loved this all around.
I loved the characters in this book. I cannot say that hard enough, and I will be recommending this. The writer made interesting choices with her characters and didn't give easy outs. The ending did come quickly and I wonder if Moonie could have been just as happy I also appreciated how the author treated the stutter. Loved this all around.
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November 13, 2023During his 7th grade year at Rosewood middle, Xavier Moon is determined to follow in his family’s footsteps and join the Scepter League, but in order to join, Xavier must come out his comfort zone and find a way to stand out with the help of some mysterious gifts from his Uncle Frankie Bell. This book’s compelling storyline captivated my attention and kept me turning the page. Even though “The Swag Is In The Socks” is a middle-grade book, I believe the author did an excellent job incorporating realistic situations and feelings throughout the characters that can be relatable to all ages. For example, “I stand a little straighter, cuz now I realize these guys are Frankie Bell’s frat brothers from way, waaaay back in the day. Frankie Bell and his friends keep talking and laughing for what seems like forever, and I tune them out after awhile.” (Baptist 138) I believe that the majority of people who choose to read this book will in some way shape or form relate to it or find something they like about it, especially those who enjoy reading middle-grade and realistic fiction books, Kelly Baptist is an amazing author to check out.
November 23, 2021
Thank you @NetGalley for the e-arc.
The Swag is in the Socks stars young Xavier Moon who like many middle schoolers is searching for his confidence and trying to break his mold. Moonie has decided that 7th grade will be his year to take on new challenges, and then on his birthday he receives a fabulous pair of socks.
Moonie faces challenges such as both parents being incarcerated and a speech impediment. I appreciate how author, Kelly J. Baptiste did not make the incarceration of Moonie’s parents the focus of the book. While this is an important piece of Moonie’s life, Baptiste crafted a beautiful tale with a delightful and loving character. Moonie is the embodiment of Black Boy Joy by continuously challenging himself to reach positive goals. Baptiste creates a strong web of family relationships and powerful language that moves the story and has the reader rooting for Moonie and growing close connections with the entire family.
The Swag is in the Socks stars young Xavier Moon who like many middle schoolers is searching for his confidence and trying to break his mold. Moonie has decided that 7th grade will be his year to take on new challenges, and then on his birthday he receives a fabulous pair of socks.
Moonie faces challenges such as both parents being incarcerated and a speech impediment. I appreciate how author, Kelly J. Baptiste did not make the incarceration of Moonie’s parents the focus of the book. While this is an important piece of Moonie’s life, Baptiste crafted a beautiful tale with a delightful and loving character. Moonie is the embodiment of Black Boy Joy by continuously challenging himself to reach positive goals. Baptiste creates a strong web of family relationships and powerful language that moves the story and has the reader rooting for Moonie and growing close connections with the entire family.
May 29, 2024
This book was much better than I thought it would be. While the idea of socks giving you courage seems silly, it teaches several inspiring lessons and tells a hilarious tale. Sometimes all you need is a boost to find the confidence already within yourself. Xavier is a relatable character with unique flaws, such as stutter, that will have you rooting for his success. My biggest complaint with this book is that Xavier attempts to change himself so he can be accepted into the Scepter League. In my opinion, Xavier was already a great person and he shouldn't have to prove anything to people who can't see that. However, it leads him to discover more about himself and meet friends he wouldn't have met otherwise. Each book has one element it mainly relies on to tell a story, and for The Swag Is in the Socks, it would be the characters. The characters are creative and witty, making this novel so engaging.
August 27, 2021
Xavier Moon is perfectly content to sit in his bedroom and watch the world from his window until his Uncle Frankie Bell challenges him to step up his game. Will he wear the strange socks his uncle sends him? He'll have to show some confidence and leadership if he wants to be selected for the elite Scepter League. I really enjoyed the transformation of Xavier in the story. He really wants to be selected for the League and doesn't give up even when faced with adversity. He's a wonderful, realistic role-model kids can relate to. My only issue was with some of the language in the book since it is recommended for grades 4-8. While it's probably realistic, it may be a turn off for the younger end of that spectrum. I would say it's best suited for middle school. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 9, 2021
Thanks to #Netgalley, Kelly J. Baptist and the publishers for the ARC copy of "The Swag is in the Socks".
In the story, Xavier is okay with staying quiet and staying in the shadows, but on his 12th birthday, he gets a pair of cool socks from his great uncle with a challenge to start speaking up and standing out. Xavier's goal is to get into the Scepter League. A legendary boy's club his uncle and dad were both apart of.
Soon Xavier is getting recognized for his socks and standing out. Will he be able to get into the Scepter League as he's always dreamed of?
I loved this story very much! I think Xavier is a character that many young teens could relate to. In the story, Xavier suffers from a stutter which I think sometimes impacts kids confidence. I think Xavier will help students build their confidence if they have a struggle like Xavier!
In the story, Xavier is okay with staying quiet and staying in the shadows, but on his 12th birthday, he gets a pair of cool socks from his great uncle with a challenge to start speaking up and standing out. Xavier's goal is to get into the Scepter League. A legendary boy's club his uncle and dad were both apart of.
Soon Xavier is getting recognized for his socks and standing out. Will he be able to get into the Scepter League as he's always dreamed of?
I loved this story very much! I think Xavier is a character that many young teens could relate to. In the story, Xavier suffers from a stutter which I think sometimes impacts kids confidence. I think Xavier will help students build their confidence if they have a struggle like Xavier!
July 29, 2022
I'm known for my sock game, so I had to read this -- but it was the vibrant characters that kept me coming back. This could so easily have been a story about bitterness or bullying or being yourself no matter what, and it wasn't. It was a story about family giving Xavier an equal dose of support and swift kick, about Moonie finding his thing, about unexpected friendships and interests, and about embracing what's there. I just really love how Xavier takes it all in -- he's listening, he's thinking, he's letting himself be challenged and guided and trying things. There's something really refreshing and realistic about this story -- it feels like a real neighborhood, with real adults and real challenges and it just isn't dramatic, but I walk away feeling more confident and more positive and that is a beautiful thing.
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