After the Wallpaper Music
by Jean Mills (Author)
For twelve-year-old violinist Flora, growing up doesn't always mean growing apart. But when a Battle of the Bands starts to divide Flora's friend group, she knows that music will either separate them or bring them back together again.
Playing violin makes twelve-year-old Flora feel alive, whether she is playing with her friends in their string quartet or playing fiddle for her Auntie Flora.
When a music competition is announced, Flora wants her string quartet to play a classical song like they always do, but her friends want to play something new. Then, Simon, a talented drummer, who is struggling with a recent loss, invites Flora to join his rock trio. Pulled in several directions, Flora must decide if she is willing to risk her friendships by playing in Simon's band.
For Flora, finding harmony with her friends, family, and music just became more difficult.
This coming of age story explores what it means to grow into yourself and risk growing apart from what you know.
Celebrated author Jean Mills utilizes her musical talents in this uplifting novel that showcases the joys of music, and the power it has to bring people together.
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Publishers Weekly
During the day, eighth grader Flora plays violin with her longtime friends in the Arden String Quartet; her evenings are devoted to learning Newfoundland fiddle music from Auntie Flora, her elderly namesake. When Simon DeLuca joins her class following a tragedy befalling his famous rock star family, Flora can't help but pay attention to the newcomer, a rarity in her small town. But he's standoffish when her friends try to welcome him. Simultaneously, Flora struggles to feel enthusiastic about the announcement of a local Battle of the Bands competition, even when her friends choose to perform a video game piece she enjoys. A gradual show of friendship from Simon, though--and his exciting request that she join his band to play her violin in a new retro rock style--creates conflicts with her friends. And then Auntie Flora is hospitalized. Mills (Bliss Adair and the First Rule of Knitting) employs a cozy writing style that is both breezy and immersive. Poignant life lessons and a focus on the emotions evoked by music permeate this soulful novel; a playlist at the end includes all referenced pieces. Flora and Simon read as white. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-7--Eighth-grader Flora lives for playing her violin. She and her friends have even formed a quartet that plays classical music at local events and has a following. When a Battle of the Bands is announced, it is a given that they will enter. But when a new student, Simon, moves to town, he brings with him an idea that Flora does not just have to play classical music--her violin can also play some of the great rock songs! With Battle of the Bands on the horizon and the pressure to play with not one, but two bands, Flora is not sure where her future lies in music. Can she be everything to her friends while staying true to herself? With the focus fully on Flora, readers will get a chance to see the inner workings of her family and community. The middle school dynamics also ring true. But the problem starts with a cover that will not have readers jumping to read it. The second problem is that emotion feels surface level, the issues somewhat skimmed over even though Flora seems to have a lot going on. VERDICT Readers will be rooting for Flora to succeed despite the lack of depth here. A general purchase.--Heather Lassley
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
"Mills...employs a cozy writing style that is both breezy and immersive. Poignant life lessons and a focus on the emotions evoked by music permeate this soulful novel."—Publishers Weekly
"Flora's small town and new school year is stirred by the arrival of a former rock star's family seeking privacy, introducing her and her classmates to the withdrawn son, Simon....empathetic readers may find a mirror in Flora who champions kindness towards outsiders like Simon."—Booklist
"With Battle of the Bands on the horizon and the pressure to play with not one, but two bands, Flora is not sure where her future lies in music. Can she be everything to her friends while staying true to herself? With the focus fully on Flora, readers will get a chance to see the inner workings of her family and community. The middle school dynamics also ring true."—School Library Journal
"I really, really liked this book!...After the Wallpaper Music is a story that leaves you with a good taste in your mouth, one that lingers long after you've finished reading it....Highly Recommended."—CM Magazine
JUV013030 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Multigenerational
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV031040 - Juvenile Fiction | Performing Arts | Music
