★ “With intelligence and insightful humor, Avant-garde delivers an inspiring how-to manual that compels readers to lean into what makes them different and to never be ashamed of acknowledging their wins.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Avant-garde’s advice is solid, and her peppy, casual tone will speak to readers. An upbeat volume that encourages young people to reach for the stars.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Divergent thinkers will relate most to Avant-garde’s story and keep-it-weird tips in this inspirational guide.” —Booklist

ZAILA AVANT-GARDE is a multitalented powerhouse. Hailing from New Orleans, she won the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, making her the first African American winner in the competition’s history of almost one hundred years. Zaila’s spelling triumph is just one entry on a very impressive resume. Currently sixteen years old, she was named SportsKid of the Year 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids. Zaila also holds two Guinness World Records for her basketball skills. She holds the records for the most bounce juggles in one minute with four basketballs and most basketballs dribbled simultaneously by one person (at six basketballs). Her success has been celebrated by the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, LeBron James, and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

Dumas, Zaila’s collaborator, is a teacher in New Orleans. She is the author of fiction and nonfiction books for young readers, including the Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest series and Women in the Old West.

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