Paula Chase Hyman
Middle Grade and Young Adult Author
Keepin’ It Real
Marigold Johnson is looking forward to a future full of family, friends, and fashion—but what will she do when it all explodes in her face? When she discovers that her entire life is a lie?
Paula Chase, the author of So Done, Dough Boys, and Turning Point, explores betrayal, conformity, and forgiveness—and what it means to be family—in this stand-alone novel perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Rebecca Stead, and Renée Watson.
Marigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.
As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.
Paula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. Keeping It Real is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase’s character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.
“This will resonate with tweens and teens who are gaining an understanding of who they are and where they fit in.” – Booklist
Marigold Johnson can’t wait to attend a special program at her family’s business, Flexx Unlimited, for teens who love fashion. But Mari quickly realizes that she’s out of place compared to the three other trainees—and one girl, Kara, seems to hate her on sight.
As tension builds and the stakes at the program get higher, Mari uncovers exactly why Kara’s been so spiteful. She also discovers some hard truths about herself and her family.
Paula Chase explores complex themes centering on friendships, family, and what it means to conform to fit in. Keeping It Real is also a powerful exploration of what happens when parents pick and choose what they shield their children from. Timely and memorable, Paula Chase’s character-driven story touches on creativity, art, fashion, and music. A great choice for the upper middle grade audience.
Upper Middle Grade Books
Young Adult Books
So Not The Drama
1st Del Rio Bay Novel
Don’t Get it Twisted
2nd Del Rio Bay Novel
That’s What’s Up!
3rd Del Rio Bay Novel
Who You Wit’?
4th Del Rio Bay Novel
Flipping the Script
5th Del Rio Bay Novel
Paula Chase-Hyman doesn’t mind being known as a Jane of all trades, Queen of none.
Co-founder of the award-winning blog, The Brown Bookshelf, Paula Chase is a longtime Inclusion Jedi and advocate for diversifying the type of fiction featuring Black characters that’s highlighted among educators, librarians and parents. She’s presented and blogged about the need to expand the focus beyond children’s literature that centers the pain of the Black experience and is the 2021 recipient of the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) Konigsberg Award for her advocacy.
Chase is the author of nine children’s books. So Done (Greenwillow/HarperCollins), her critically acclaimed middle grade debut, was named a 2018 Kirkus Reviews Best Book. So Done and its companions, Dough Boys and Turning Point are blazing the trail for books that tackle tough and sometimes taboo topics for younger readers. Her latest novel, Keeping It Real, focuses on classism in the Black community and impact of family secrets.
Librarians and Teachers
Looking for a Keynote for conferences and professional development meetings? The author has developed a special presentation based on her years advocating for literary inclusion designed to help educators diversify their curation practices. Contact for more information and fee schedule.
Looking for an interactive author talk?
Paula is now scheduling virtual visits. Please look at the school visits page and contact for fee schedule, availability & format.
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