
Mascot
Imagine Publishing, Inc
Published on 2. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-62354-635-9 (ISBN)
Description
What if a school's mascot is seen as racist, but not by everyone? In this compelling middle-grade novel in verse, two best-selling BIPOC authors tackle this hot-button issue. Now in paperback!
A perfect book for future changemakers and activists seeking contemporary stories on systematic racism, empowering kids ages 10+ to fight for justice in their communities.
In Rye, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, people work hard, kids go to school, and football is big on Friday nights. An eighth-grade English teacher creates an assignment for her class to debate whether Rye’s mascot should stay or change.
Now six middle schoolers—all with different backgrounds and beliefs—get involved in the contentious issue that already has the suburb turned upside down with everyone choosing sides and arguments getting ugly.
Told from several perspectives, readers see how each student comes to new understandings about identity, tradition, and what it means to stand up for real change.
An empowering middle-grade novel, Mascot is sure to inspire its readers and start conversations in classrooms and communities across the country.
"Waters and Sorell's plain spoken verse is always sharp and direct."—The New York Times Book Review
A perfect book for future changemakers and activists seeking contemporary stories on systematic racism, empowering kids ages 10+ to fight for justice in their communities.
In Rye, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC, people work hard, kids go to school, and football is big on Friday nights. An eighth-grade English teacher creates an assignment for her class to debate whether Rye’s mascot should stay or change.
Now six middle schoolers—all with different backgrounds and beliefs—get involved in the contentious issue that already has the suburb turned upside down with everyone choosing sides and arguments getting ugly.
Told from several perspectives, readers see how each student comes to new understandings about identity, tradition, and what it means to stand up for real change.
An empowering middle-grade novel, Mascot is sure to inspire its readers and start conversations in classrooms and communities across the country.
"Waters and Sorell's plain spoken verse is always sharp and direct."—The New York Times Book Review
- A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2023
- A New York Public Library Best Book of 2023
- A National Public Radio "Books We Love" title of 2023
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S.
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: Fifth Grade and over, Interest Age: From 10 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
318 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-62354-635-9 (9781623546359)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Persons
Traci Sorell (Author); Charles Waters (Author)