"You know how much I want
to be first chair.
I do too. I was first chair at
East all last year.
I thought we were friends.
Why are you so mad? This
is an arts school. We all want
to be the best.
Whatever."
After being first chair flute in her old school, Lucy is determined to prove herself worthy of the same position in the Windley School of the Arts, a private school that will require her best in both the classroom and the band room. It's her first day; as she leaves home her parents are fighting again.
Her bus ride to school has her meeting Malia, someone who will become a good friend. As they spend more time together, each learns that the other has family secrets. That provides a bond that heightens their connection. As Lucy struggles to keep up with both school and band work, she becomes increasingly anxious. At home, life is not easy either. Her father's addiction to alcohol creates more and more tension in the family's home life. He is unable to find a job, enters rehab twice and, after each, he returns to his former ways.
It isn't until Lucy steals sheet music from Tolli, the first flute chair, that things go completely awry. The result is a meeting with parents, Lucy and the school counsellor. Only then does Lucy reveal that she is working so hard and failing so miserably to do something that will solve all the problems at home. She thinks if everyone can be proud of her, things will right themselves.
Moments of support and friendship are welcome. The author and illustrator cope handily with the issues that arise. Empathy and understanding are evident when dealing with Lucy's father and his addiction, and her family's dysfunction. Characters are well-developed and realistic. There is emotional depth for the issues that many middle graders must deal with at school and at home.
An author's note is informative and appealing.
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