Not Your Average Jo

Grace K. Shim

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Paperback

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QTY:

English

Kokila
03 June 2025

School stories (Children's&YA)

From the author of THE NOH FAMILY, a standalone YA novel that follows a Korean American teen as she navigates the treacherous world of nepo babies and cultural appropriation that is the Los Angeles music scene. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi, Maurene Goo, and Emiko Jean.

From the author of THE NOH FAMILY, a standalone YA novel that follows a Korean American teen as she navigates the treacherous world of nepo babies and cultural appropriation that is the Los Angeles music scene. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi, Maurene Goo, and Emiko Jean.

Riley Jo is a teenager who knows what she wants. Born and raised in Bentonville, Arkansas, this Korean American girl has her sights set on being a musician. So when her parents are surprisingly cool about her attending the prestigious Los Angeles-based arts-focused boarding school her senior year of high school, she jumps at the chance. This is her moment to make her indie rock dreams a reality!

Things at Carlmont Academy start out strong- She joins a band, and they set out to make plans to perform at the annual spring concert-with a chance to land a record contract. Another student, Xander, decides his school project will be a documentary about the band leading up to their first show. But not everything goes how Riley Jo imagined. She is soon sidelined when her other bandmates feel she is ""too Asian"" to be their lead singer, and they choose her classmate Bodhi Collins for the role instead.

Bodhi is rock music royalty, with a dad who is a famous music exec. And he's got the ""all-American rock star look."" Her classmates suggest she try making K-pop,

but her heart is in indie rock. Riley Jo decides to take matters into her own hands and writes an original song to showcase her talent. But Bodhi takes the credit . . . and given his connections, the band lets him.

Xander captures all of this in his film, which he leaks in order to show the truth behind the band. Riley Jo decides to sign up for the spring concert and perform on her own . . . but will she finally be able to take center stage?

By: Grace K. Shim
Imprint: Kokila
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 210mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 16mm
Weight: 271g
ISBN: 9780593462782
ISBN 10: 0593462785
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 03 June 2025
Recommended Age: From 12 years
Audience: Young adult , Preschool (0-5)
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Postponed Indefinitley

Grace K. Shim lives with her husband and three children in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the author of the young adult novels The Noh Family and Not Your Average Jo. You can find Grace on Twitter/X @gracemisplaced1 and on Instagram @gkshimwrites.

Reviews for Not Your Average Jo

"Praise for Not Your Average Jo By Grace K. Shim: This enjoyable coming-of-age story explores a number of powerful themes connected to the music industry, nepotism, race, discrimination, and speaking up against prejudice...A compelling, music-centered story of self-discovery and finding your voice. -- Kirkus Reviews ""The light tone and happy conclusion make this a good choice for younger teens who enjoy themes of being true to yourself, finding your voice, and changing the entertainment industry in the process."" --- Booklist"