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The Kids Under the Stairs #3
Jordan J and the Truth About Jordan J: The Kids Under the Stairs
This laugh-out-loud, honest novel-in-verse from award-winning author K.A. Holt tells the story of Jordan J—an opinionated middle schooler trying to find his place at school, at home, and even on the dance floor.
Jordan J has a lot to say.
Most people—including his parents, his teacher, the kids under the stairs, and even his own self—don't understand why he says all the things he says. It's probably the reason he's managed to earn a personal grudge from the school's dance team, the Hart Rocketeers, who are outraged by his brutally honest dance reviews in the school newspaper.
Basically the only thing he can concentrate on these days is performing on his favorite dance show, Fierce Across America . But with his mom's recent unemployment and money being so tight at home, his dreams are crashing. Suddenly, an opportunity arises in the form of Casey Price, the only Rocketeer who doesn't hate his guts. With her help, Jordan J just might have the chance to showcase his electric moves on national TV. But as he starts spending more time with Casey and less with his old friends, Jordan J begins to wonder how he can ever make everyone happy—including himself.
With a lovable cast of characters, never-before-seen dance moves, and bighearted passion, this exhilarating, laugh-out-loud novel-in-verse tells an honest, authentic story about friendship, dance, and self-confidence that celebrates different types of intelligence and shows how every kid deserves to become their own "divergent" self.
This third book in K.A. Holt's The Kids Under the Stairs series, Jordon J and the Truth About Jordan J will appeal to fans of House Arrest, Rhyme Schemer, and Knockout , in addition to fans of Jason Reynolds's Track series.
RENOWNED K.A. Holt's books have been nominated for awards in more than 30 states. She is a trusted name and a favorite for middle grade readers!
PERFECT FOR RELUCTANT This book is written in free verse and includes a variety of other elements—chat logs, bullet-pointed lists, newspaper articles, and illustrations—welcoming readers It all different types of readers. The characters in the book also struggle with reading, but they are not shamed or looked down on for it, so readers with similar issues will feel understood.
VIDEO GAME The characters in the book play Sandbox, which readers will instantly recognize as a fictionalized version of Minecraft, an immensely popular game. Playing Sandbox is depicted as both cool and educational, which will uplift rather than shame young readers for playing video games.
Perfect
Reluctant readers
Video gamers
Fans of K.A. Holt
Teachers, educators, and librarians
Jordan J has a lot to say.
Most people—including his parents, his teacher, the kids under the stairs, and even his own self—don't understand why he says all the things he says. It's probably the reason he's managed to earn a personal grudge from the school's dance team, the Hart Rocketeers, who are outraged by his brutally honest dance reviews in the school newspaper.
Basically the only thing he can concentrate on these days is performing on his favorite dance show, Fierce Across America . But with his mom's recent unemployment and money being so tight at home, his dreams are crashing. Suddenly, an opportunity arises in the form of Casey Price, the only Rocketeer who doesn't hate his guts. With her help, Jordan J just might have the chance to showcase his electric moves on national TV. But as he starts spending more time with Casey and less with his old friends, Jordan J begins to wonder how he can ever make everyone happy—including himself.
With a lovable cast of characters, never-before-seen dance moves, and bighearted passion, this exhilarating, laugh-out-loud novel-in-verse tells an honest, authentic story about friendship, dance, and self-confidence that celebrates different types of intelligence and shows how every kid deserves to become their own "divergent" self.
This third book in K.A. Holt's The Kids Under the Stairs series, Jordon J and the Truth About Jordan J will appeal to fans of House Arrest, Rhyme Schemer, and Knockout , in addition to fans of Jason Reynolds's Track series.
RENOWNED K.A. Holt's books have been nominated for awards in more than 30 states. She is a trusted name and a favorite for middle grade readers!
PERFECT FOR RELUCTANT This book is written in free verse and includes a variety of other elements—chat logs, bullet-pointed lists, newspaper articles, and illustrations—welcoming readers It all different types of readers. The characters in the book also struggle with reading, but they are not shamed or looked down on for it, so readers with similar issues will feel understood.
VIDEO GAME The characters in the book play Sandbox, which readers will instantly recognize as a fictionalized version of Minecraft, an immensely popular game. Playing Sandbox is depicted as both cool and educational, which will uplift rather than shame young readers for playing video games.
Perfect
Reluctant readers
Video gamers
Fans of K.A. Holt
Teachers, educators, and librarians
296 pages, Hardcover
Published September 27, 2022
3 people are currently reading
1439 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 2, 2022
This review is based on an ARC.
Jordan J and the Truth about Jordan J is an excellent book for middle school readers. Jordan is a relatable protagonist, who's beautiful, neurodiverse mind is shown, not as a plot device, but as just plain him, Jordan makes mistakes and needs to correct them. They are not excused away. Jordan has triumphs and successes, too. He is not saved by some neurotypical kid reaching out, but has skills that a classmate needs, The result is an excellent book to read and discuss with students, particularly in inclusive settings,
I do suggest that this book be a readaloud or used with immersion reading for any student who struggles with reading, The layout and varying types of communication (including marked up school paper articles, handouts, and drawings, dialogues from the chat part of a Minecraft-ish program, letters written by the protagonist to the therapist he can't afford financially to see, and checklists all may combine to make this a little harder to follow than the grade level indicates.
I notice that this is book 3 in a series. I definitely plan to look up the other two, and plan to add this book and likely the rest of the series to my classroom lending library and put it in the shared reading rotation.
Jordan J and the Truth about Jordan J is an excellent book for middle school readers. Jordan is a relatable protagonist, who's beautiful, neurodiverse mind is shown, not as a plot device, but as just plain him, Jordan makes mistakes and needs to correct them. They are not excused away. Jordan has triumphs and successes, too. He is not saved by some neurotypical kid reaching out, but has skills that a classmate needs, The result is an excellent book to read and discuss with students, particularly in inclusive settings,
I do suggest that this book be a readaloud or used with immersion reading for any student who struggles with reading, The layout and varying types of communication (including marked up school paper articles, handouts, and drawings, dialogues from the chat part of a Minecraft-ish program, letters written by the protagonist to the therapist he can't afford financially to see, and checklists all may combine to make this a little harder to follow than the grade level indicates.
I notice that this is book 3 in a series. I definitely plan to look up the other two, and plan to add this book and likely the rest of the series to my classroom lending library and put it in the shared reading rotation.
May 22, 2022
This is sure to be a hit with my students who already love the “Kids Under the Stairs” series. Quick read, interesting characters, and a wonderful librarian make this verse novel a delight.
June 17, 2022
I let the music fill me up with its rhythms and feelings,
like I’m the only person in the whole world who can really
understand what it’s trying to say,
like the music itself trusts ME, Jordan J,
to use my super-sweet dance moves
to translate the story it wants the world to know,
like the music and I are dance partners,
but also storyteller partners,
and everything else in the whole universe,
even my own feelings and thoughts,
pauses,
so that for two minutes
I am the music
And the music is me
And together we just…tell a really awesome story. (79-80)
In K.A Holt’s BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER readers met four rising 7th graders: Ben Bellows, Benita Ybarra, Jordan Jackson, and Javier Jimenez. All video gamers. Divergent thinkers who met and became friends through an assigned summer school class. And their teacher, Jordan Jackson (no relation to student gamer Jordan Jackson). BENBEE was essentially Ben Bellows’ story as the sequel, BEN Y AND THE GHOST MACHINE, was Benita Ybarra’s story.
In JORDAN J AND THE TRUTH ABOUT JORDAN J, we become much better acquainted with Jordan Jackson who has been diagnosed with ADHD and is obsessed—to put it mildly—with a television dance contest show, Fierce Across America. As passionate as he is about dance, he cannot help but criticize the Hart Rocketeers in his column for the Hart Times encouraging them to take it up a notch with “fierce energy and better dance routines” to beat their competition, although he is impressed with one of the dancers, Casey Price.
When Jordan discovers that his city, Freshwater, Florida, has become an audition site for the 15th season of Fierce Across America, he prepares to dance for his life. His audition fails to go as he planned. Veronica Verve is overwhelmed with his Dance Vision,
“YOUR DANCE VISION IS…
I’VE GOT NO WORDS FOR IT, NUMBER 1313…
LIKE PRODIGY-LEVEL I’VE-GOT-NO-WORDS-FOR-IT, KID.
I’VE HONESTLY NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
IN MY ENTIRE DANCING CAREER.” (84)
Unfortunately, she also tells him that his “DANCING SKILLS ARE SIX OUT OF TEN, AT BEST,” which means no callbacks. Not knowing what ‘prodigy’ means and devastated, Jordan “think[s] about going home and digging a giant hole in the backyard and living in that hole forever.” (92) But with the help of Ben Y and Mrs. J (who is now the school librarian), some of his confidence returns and he choreographs a routine—full of his super-sweet dance moves—for Casey, who did make it to callbacks and considers Jordan is part of her ”team.” While this helps Jordan to feel a small part of FAA, he still is jealous and sad: “It’s weird to feel so happy and excited but also feel kind of…the opposite of that, all at the same time.” (191) It also takes time away from his art classes with Javier (and Carol and Carole) and their Bro Time, which makes him less of a friend, something else he needs to repair.
Although events do not play out as expected, Jordan has a plan to fix what he can—and plenty to tell Mo, his therapist.
This is a story for kids who have a passion, kids who may need to become a little more sensitive to the needs of others, and kids who are unique in their own ways, and it is KA Holt telling another “really awesome story” in a multi-formatted text.
like I’m the only person in the whole world who can really
understand what it’s trying to say,
like the music itself trusts ME, Jordan J,
to use my super-sweet dance moves
to translate the story it wants the world to know,
like the music and I are dance partners,
but also storyteller partners,
and everything else in the whole universe,
even my own feelings and thoughts,
pauses,
so that for two minutes
I am the music
And the music is me
And together we just…tell a really awesome story. (79-80)
In K.A Holt’s BENBEE AND THE TEACHER GRIEFER readers met four rising 7th graders: Ben Bellows, Benita Ybarra, Jordan Jackson, and Javier Jimenez. All video gamers. Divergent thinkers who met and became friends through an assigned summer school class. And their teacher, Jordan Jackson (no relation to student gamer Jordan Jackson). BENBEE was essentially Ben Bellows’ story as the sequel, BEN Y AND THE GHOST MACHINE, was Benita Ybarra’s story.
In JORDAN J AND THE TRUTH ABOUT JORDAN J, we become much better acquainted with Jordan Jackson who has been diagnosed with ADHD and is obsessed—to put it mildly—with a television dance contest show, Fierce Across America. As passionate as he is about dance, he cannot help but criticize the Hart Rocketeers in his column for the Hart Times encouraging them to take it up a notch with “fierce energy and better dance routines” to beat their competition, although he is impressed with one of the dancers, Casey Price.
When Jordan discovers that his city, Freshwater, Florida, has become an audition site for the 15th season of Fierce Across America, he prepares to dance for his life. His audition fails to go as he planned. Veronica Verve is overwhelmed with his Dance Vision,
“YOUR DANCE VISION IS…
I’VE GOT NO WORDS FOR IT, NUMBER 1313…
LIKE PRODIGY-LEVEL I’VE-GOT-NO-WORDS-FOR-IT, KID.
I’VE HONESTLY NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
IN MY ENTIRE DANCING CAREER.” (84)
Unfortunately, she also tells him that his “DANCING SKILLS ARE SIX OUT OF TEN, AT BEST,” which means no callbacks. Not knowing what ‘prodigy’ means and devastated, Jordan “think[s] about going home and digging a giant hole in the backyard and living in that hole forever.” (92) But with the help of Ben Y and Mrs. J (who is now the school librarian), some of his confidence returns and he choreographs a routine—full of his super-sweet dance moves—for Casey, who did make it to callbacks and considers Jordan is part of her ”team.” While this helps Jordan to feel a small part of FAA, he still is jealous and sad: “It’s weird to feel so happy and excited but also feel kind of…the opposite of that, all at the same time.” (191) It also takes time away from his art classes with Javier (and Carol and Carole) and their Bro Time, which makes him less of a friend, something else he needs to repair.
Although events do not play out as expected, Jordan has a plan to fix what he can—and plenty to tell Mo, his therapist.
This is a story for kids who have a passion, kids who may need to become a little more sensitive to the needs of others, and kids who are unique in their own ways, and it is KA Holt telling another “really awesome story” in a multi-formatted text.
May 8, 2023
Middle grade, contemporary realistic fiction. After haing enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was very much looking forward to this one. Jordan J has always been a bit of an intense character, quite energetic and loud especially compared to the rest of the crew that seems to be much quieter. He really wants to try out for the Fierce Across America dance show and has watched and re-watched previous seasons to up his game. This laser vision focus has also slipped into his newspaper club writing, as he shares his opinion about why the school dance team can't compete against other schools-- notably because their choreography is weak and the only team member that shows enough enthusiasm is Casey Price. So he earns himself the ire and scorn of the dance team, until he is able to show them a bit of his inspired moves. Then the team begrudgingly respects him a bit. Casey actually approaches him to help with her own Fierce Across America audition.
At the audition, Jordan J gets a mixed review that leads him to focus on helping Casey for the callbacks. But finding time for dance practice makes him miss his art class with Javi. Meanwhile things are tight at home as his mother lost her job, which also means she's around more to see what Jordan is up to.
This whole series focuses on neurodivergent thinkers, though the children are not labeled any particular way. Jordan does meet with a psychologist, though with less frequency than he would like since money is short. He is possibly ADHD, with thoughts that seem to run a mile a minute and often his words come out that way as well. He also "Jordans" out, which is when he gets so lost in his thoughts that he loses track of what's going on around him. Reading from his point of view made it clear just how much Jordan is processing, how much he needs those in his inner circle, and how much heart he has. I really hope Javi's story is out soon!
At the audition, Jordan J gets a mixed review that leads him to focus on helping Casey for the callbacks. But finding time for dance practice makes him miss his art class with Javi. Meanwhile things are tight at home as his mother lost her job, which also means she's around more to see what Jordan is up to.
This whole series focuses on neurodivergent thinkers, though the children are not labeled any particular way. Jordan does meet with a psychologist, though with less frequency than he would like since money is short. He is possibly ADHD, with thoughts that seem to run a mile a minute and often his words come out that way as well. He also "Jordans" out, which is when he gets so lost in his thoughts that he loses track of what's going on around him. Reading from his point of view made it clear just how much Jordan is processing, how much he needs those in his inner circle, and how much heart he has. I really hope Javi's story is out soon!
Read
November 4, 2022I have become a true fan of the Kids Under the Stairs series. In this latest adventure Jordan J lets the world know how important dancing is for him. It begins with an article Jordan J is trying to write for the Hart Times. As usual he doesn't mince words but rather tells it like it is. Of course, Ms J lets him know he shouldn't be rude.
Jordan J is criticizing the Hart Rocketeers, the school dance team. He doesn't think their dance moves are going to earn them any awards. He has choreography he believes far exceeds what they have been practicing.
When the Fierce Across America dance competition moves their regional tryouts close to home, Jordan J is determined to perform and earn a spot on the TV show. Things don't go exactly as planned, but Jordan J finds out there is more than one way to be involved in the competition. His talent could possibly help someone else earn the spot he hoped for. He might find a new friend but also lose one in the process.
In her unique presentation author K.A. Holt takes readers on a wild ride with Jordan J. Hearing directly from Jordan J's POV will help readers understand exactly what goes through the mind of someone "divergent" and just how being oneself requires courage but usually produces the best results. I can't wait to see what is next for the Kids Under the Stairs.
Jordan J is criticizing the Hart Rocketeers, the school dance team. He doesn't think their dance moves are going to earn them any awards. He has choreography he believes far exceeds what they have been practicing.
When the Fierce Across America dance competition moves their regional tryouts close to home, Jordan J is determined to perform and earn a spot on the TV show. Things don't go exactly as planned, but Jordan J finds out there is more than one way to be involved in the competition. His talent could possibly help someone else earn the spot he hoped for. He might find a new friend but also lose one in the process.
In her unique presentation author K.A. Holt takes readers on a wild ride with Jordan J. Hearing directly from Jordan J's POV will help readers understand exactly what goes through the mind of someone "divergent" and just how being oneself requires courage but usually produces the best results. I can't wait to see what is next for the Kids Under the Stairs.
November 7, 2022
Special thanks to Goodreads Giveaways and Chronicle Kids Books publishers. This is a great little book, written in verse, and the third in a series, about Jordan J. He tells the story from his perspective in short conversations from a computer with his friends, or through a list, or through quick conversations he repeats. It works through friendships, let downs, asking for help and not wanting help, and reconciling broken promises. It took me a bit to get going, but I think it would have been better if I had read the first two in the series - The Kids Under the Stairs.
July 3, 2022
If you haven't read the first books in the series, the writing style might take a little getting used to (supposedly a novel in verse but not quite, given the social media and newspaper inserts), but there's no continuous plot to catch up. Jordan J is one of "those kids", acting before he thinks, exuberant, etc. and of course needs to Learn Lessons. No guesses as to whether that happens.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
January 30, 2025
(Whoops I read these out of order. Suppose that explains why we had characters I’ve never heard of enter the chat…literally. My bad!) Cute, of course! (Jordan is probably my favorite kid under the stairs!) It’s a great little upper elementary/middle grade book, but without the same emphasis on Mrs. J and these kids’ educational struggles, it didn’t have the same impact on me as Book One did. It was cute and fun. Good “therapy helps” representation. Buuuut, I think that’s all I’ve got to say about it!
September 22, 2022
I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book and am giving it an honest review.
I loved all the characters, and the storyline just made me happy even when the characters weren't in their happiest place. Real life was dealt with in such a positive way. The writing also often made me laugh out loud. I was going to release this into one of the Little Free Libraries which I steward, but now I'm looking forward to giving it to a local after-school program where I think it will be enjoyed.
I loved all the characters, and the storyline just made me happy even when the characters weren't in their happiest place. Real life was dealt with in such a positive way. The writing also often made me laugh out loud. I was going to release this into one of the Little Free Libraries which I steward, but now I'm looking forward to giving it to a local after-school program where I think it will be enjoyed.
August 29, 2022
The style that the books in this series are written in is soooo engaging for middle grade readers.
January 13, 2023
This took me a while to get into, but once I did I was all-in. Perhaps my favorite part was that the most important part of bro time was the time. Something we would all do well to remember.
August 14, 2023
I just adore these books. The closest comparison I can think of is the Mr. Terupt series - this gives that but for the modern middle schooler.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews