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.

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.

What a joyous book this was! It makes you want to go out and buy all the socks so you can have all the swag! Xavier, “Moonie”, wants to join the Scepter League in 7th grade because his dad and uncle were in it, and he knows their motto “ I will be a man who lights the ways for others.” When Uncle Frankie, a traveling musician, takes off he tells Xavier that every man needs something to make him stand out. Uncle Frankie soon sends Xavier socks and gives Xavier( who stutters) a challenge: get yourself together, you need confidence or swag because doors will open for you. So Moonie starts wearing the socks, and people notice and love them. His uncle is right, Frankie keeps sending socks and tells Moonie to do less talkin’ and more doin’. When it’s time to interview for the Scepter League, things don’t quite go the way Moonie had expected. On top of this, Moonie has to take a sewing class, and it changes everything for him. Moonie finds that “ sometimes greatness can be right beneath your feet or on your feet.” Such a great book.

This was a good positive book about believing in yourself and your socks. I'm glad Xavier lives in a community where his stutter is not an issue. This is an idealistic world but I enjoyed it all the more because I wish the world could be like this.

While it started slow, the inherent plot was warming and needed. I always enjoy middle grades with a message

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

<em>Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. </em>

Xavier, and his sister Shannon, are living with his great aunt Kat. Xavier struggles with a stutter that got worse when his parents were incarcerated and he moved to his aunts.

But Xavier has decided 7th grade is HIS year. He’s planning to join the exclusive Scepter League, following in his father’s and uncle Frank’s footsteps.

Then his uncle starts sending him indecipherable letters and funky socks. Will these help Xavier achieve his goals?