The Swag Is in the Socks by Kelly J. Baptist (review)

While he’s normally happy to stay in the background, seventh grader Xavier Moon is going to need a lot more confidence if he wants to get into the Scepter League, an exclusive boys’ club at his middle school. Help comes in the form of packages from his eccentric great-uncle Frankie Bell, each containing a snazzy pair of socks and a letter urging Xavier to venture out of his shell and claim his “trademark.” Initially, the socks seem to be a blessing: he finds a five-dollar bill on the street and even convinces his great-aunt to buy him a pair of expensive shoes. When he doesn’t gain entry into the club, however, he realizes he’s going to need more than just a jazzy piece of clothing to be the person he wants to be. Baptist creates a vivid and dimensional character in Xavier, a kid whose identity is informed by some difficult life circumstances—both of his parents are currently in jail, he’s trying to overcome a stutter, and several of his relatives are just plain awful—but not singularly defined by them. Xavier’s city neighborhood is alive with quirky and compelling secondary characters, and a brief exploration of his uncle’s past integrates elements of Black history and jazz culture. Overall, it’s a warm but authentic picture of a middle schooler figuring out who he is and who he wants to be, and how the support of a strong community can help a kid find their individuality.