Before they became the world-famous Kids of Widney High, they first had to survive junior high! This rock band, composed entirely of members with developmental disabilities, loves to put on a show, but boy can they can get into fights, trouble, and sticky situations. Join their friend and honorary assistant manager Robbie as he introduces the band members and shows us how they’re just like everyone else. From cafeteria food fights to relationship woes, Robbie finds himself immersed in an incredible adventure to get everyone onboard for the big concert while better understanding his new friends with special abilities. Junior high can be tough, but this group of rambunctious misfits is ready to entertain and loves to have a good time!
Comes with an exclusive interview with Peewee about disability representation and two unreleased Kids of Widney High songs.
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“The Kids of Widney High is a remarkable band, and Klickstein’s story provides readers an opportunity to learn about their music and world while simultaneously modeling for readers how to sensitively interact with individuals with disabilities.”
— School Library Journal
“A wonderful story about inclusion and acceptance.”
— Jackson Browne, singer-songwriter and multiple Grammy Award nominee“Funny, colorful, and conversational.”
— Mike Reiss, four-time Emmy Award–winning writer of The Simpsons“This book is tender, it’s funny, it’s perfect to read with your kids, and it gives me hope. Love these kids!”
— Mayim Bialik, award-winning star of Blossom and The Big Bang Theory“Memorable characters, fun stories, and some great music. Mathew Klickstein captures the middle school experience of Widney Junior High with an expert eye and his trademark humor and insight.”
— Linda Simensky, longtime children’s television executive“Sweet and fun.”
— Andrew Bujalski, award-winning filmmaker and writer of Disney’s live-action Lady and the TrampBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Mathew Klickstein is a longtime writer, producer, and instructor who specializes in arts and culture reportage across all platforms. He was named “Humor Writer of the Month” via the prestigious Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. His writings have appeared in Wired, the New Yorker, New York Daily News, and Vulture. He’s the writer of numerous nonfiction books on such topics as The Simpsons, Nickelodeon, and so-called “geek/fan culture.” Klickstein has worked extensively in all facets of live theater, film, and TV, and has recently entered the comic book creation field with his highly acclaimed series You Are Obsolete, currently being developed for television. Comic-Con Begins, his six-part audio documentary about the origins of the San Diego Comic-Con and the rise of modern fandom, was released via SiriusXM/Stitcher throughout Summer 2021. His recent middle-grade reader The Kids of Widney Junior High Take Over the World! received a 2021 Independent Publisher Book Award and is also available as an audiobook from Blackstone Publishing. www.MathewKlickstein.com
Cary Hite has performed in several theaters across the country as a cast member in the longest-running African American play in history, The Diary of Black Men. He also appeared in Edward II, Fences, Macbeth, Good Boys, Side Effects May Vary, and the indie feature The City Is Mine. He has voiced several projects for AudibleKids, including Souls Look Back in Wonder, From Slave Ship to Freedom Road, and Papa, Do You Love Me?