A pleasant enough read. I like that Jordan is incredibly sure of himself. It's not a question of identity. He knows who he is, his passion for dance and his flamboyance. What that means for his sexuality or gender never come into the picture. THis is just who Jordan is. The plot is a bit meandering but probably engaging enough for most youngsters.

I was happy to get to know Jordan J much better in this third title of the series “The Kids Under The Stairs” by K.A. Holt. He is funny and caring, a neurodiverse thinker, and a fabulous dancer.

Jordan J is obsessed with the reality tv show, Fierce Across America, a dance competition judged by Veronica Verve. He intends to try out for the challenge when the show announces that it will come to his city. In the meantime, he tries to make it through each day at school and spends his time playing Sandbox with his friends in the library chat room, creating art with his bro-friend Javi after school, and writing “not-the-best” reviews of the school’s dance team, the Rocketeers.

When Jordan finds out that THE Casey Price (of the Rocketeers) is also trying out for FAM, he becomes even more convinced he’s just not socially fit to be a part of the contest. This leads to the main conflict of the book: will he? Or won’t he get a chance to dance on tv (with everyone watching!).

This book has a fabulous cast of characters and an exciting storyline — all middle schoolers will see themselves in this novel-in-verse that keeps readers reading (and guessing). I love the friendships among the kids and the adults who support these students as they navigate daily life and exciting new adventures.

Recommended for ages 8 and up, especially those who like dancing and reality tv.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early peek. This book publishes on September 27, 2022 by Chronicle Books.

K.A. Holt does it again! She is excellent at writing in a kids voice and plays with format in a way that interests big time readers and reluctant readers.

This absolute GEM of a book is out today!!! Jordan J is my favorite of the Kids Under the Stairs and I have been wildly anticipating his book for what feels like eternity. @kari_anne_holt writes truly special characters and I always see so much of my students in her books, but I also saw so much of my chaotic middle school self in Jordan J and as per usual I sobbed over how heartwarming the relationships are.

The Kids Under the Stairs series is really truly so special and is the perfect middle grade recommendation.

This is another great addition to our classroom library K.A.Holt section. K.A.Holt's books engage both struggling and advanced readers while her writing authentically speaks to middle-schoolers. Funny, honest and a great discussion starter, as well as, great material for writing workshops.

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.

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.