JORDAN J AND THE TRUTH ABOUT JORDAN J

Who would’ve thought sweet dance moves and passion weren’t enough for some people?

In this third series entry, seventh grader Jordan J is obsessed with televised dance competition Fierce Across America, and auditions are coming to his Florida town! After his two-minute performance in front of the cameras, the fabulous host labels his choreography exceptional but his actual dancing abilities only so-so. Jordan is devastated, but Casey Price, another student at his school and the dance team captain, has made it to callbacks, and she asks Jordan to help her plan out an impressive routine. Meanwhile, Jordan is dealing with a few other issues, like getting his articles for newspaper club turned in on time, carving out “bro time” for himself and his friend Javier in their art class, and his family’s financial struggles after his mom is unexpectedly laid off. Then there’s the typical awkwardness of being Jordan J, dance maniac who can’t go see his therapist for now because of money issues. Holt excels at keeping Jordan’s neurodivergent behaviors and thoughts functionally realistic while he navigates a world where other characters casually acknowledge and support them. Rather than focusing on limitations, this work centers positive representation. Presented in varied formats, including online chats, news articles, notes, lists, brief scenes, and footnotes, the story will sustain readers’ interest. Two characters are cued as Latine; others are minimally described.

A delightful school story that brings some booyah!