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K-3
Illustrated by
John Herzog.
"Clarinet and Trumpet were friends from the first note." The relationship hits a sour note, however, when Clarinet meets Oboe: "Woodwinds should stick together." Sad Trumpet eventually "slid[es] in with" Trombone; French horn and Tuba join them, while Flute and Bassoon back up the woodwinds. A discordant music-room rumble ensues until cool Saxaphone--a brass woodwind--swings in, reminding everyone that playing in harmony sounds best. With an upbeat message about friendship, this pun- and onomatopoeia-filled story is a lively introduction to instruments. The cheery digital illustrations have a retro-cartoon vibe.
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4-6
Calico: Band Geeks series.
Illustrated by
Anna Cattish.
Junior-high band-mates take on new challenges as this series continues. The young musicians deal with student teachers, side projects, interpersonal rivalries, and even a stint as music-camp counselors. While the plots are predictable and exhaustively spelled-out, the well-delineated ensemble cast, down-to-earth conflicts, and clear enthusiasm for music-geekery will keep the series' target audience engaged. Angular black-and-white illustrations enhance readability. Review covers the following Calico: Band Geeks titles: Band Camp Rules, Mr. Byrd Flies the Nest, Nothing but Treble, and Settling the Score.
(3)
YA
Nicolò Zen, an eighteenth-century orphaned teen in possession of an enchanted clarinet, goes from disguising himself as a girl to join Antonio Vivaldi's orchestra in Venice to finding fame on the stages of Vienna, helped by two benefactors who are doubles of each other. A fresh blend of historical fiction and inventive magical realism, sweeping romance and escapist fun.
264 pp.
| Walker
| September, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8027-2374-1$16.99
(3)
4-6
Eighth-grade clarinetist Tatum longs to be in District Honor Band, but new student Michael is tough competition for a coveted spot--and for BFF Lori's attention. Along with this jealousy, Tatum deals with an awkward potential romance and her parents' divorce. Dominy ambitiously takes on many issues, but her handling of them (especially changing friendships and competition) is spot on.
137 pp.
| Penguin/Paulsen
| September, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-25507-6$16.99
(2)
4-6
This spare, moving novel voiced by an almost-twelve-year-old African American narrator covers five days before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina. Packing, boarding up windows, checking on neighbors, making and unmaking plans as the situation changes--all are perfectly captured by Woods. The authentic New Orleans setting works as a powerful character, adding an extra dimension to the compelling story.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2011
32 pp.
| Heinemann
| September, 2006
|
LibraryISBN 1-4034-8185-7$28.21
(4)
4-6
Learning Musical Instruments series.
Operating on the theme that "music brings people together," these volumes introduce the histories, styles, technical details, and famous players of various musical instruments. The unfocused and sometimes redundant narratives wander, but instrument diagrams are concise and useful. "Recordings to Listen To" suggests particular versions of pieces for that instrument in different genres (usually classical, jazz, and one or two others). Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Learning Musical Instruments titles: Should I Play the Flute?, Should I Play the Piano?, Should I Play the Drums?, Should I Play the Trumpet?, Should I Play the Clarinet?, Should I Play the Guitar?, and Should I Play the Violin?