The character of Lotus exemplifies Black joy: She loves music and playing her violin, revels in the beauty and care of her natural hair, enjoys curating her retro outfits, and is excited to attend the new performing arts school where she can really focus on pursuing her music. In orchestra class, Maestro recognizes Lotus' exceptional talent and appoints her as concertmaster over Adolpho. Out of jealousy, Adolpho and his friends harass Lotus by throwing paper airplanes into her hair after classes. Then Adolpho's mother (and major funder of the school) complains to the school that Lotus' "unkempt" hair is disruptive to the school environment. Lotus has always been non-confrontational and about maintaining zen (she does yoga and plays her violin on the beach!), even as her best friend Rebel goads her into pursuing justice. But how much can Lotus endure before enough is enough? A heartfelt and eye-opening exploration of being young and Black in an oppressive society. As a book character, Lotus is all that and a bag of chips! ( )