Audition & Subtraction

Gr 5-8–Since third grade, Tatum and Lori have been inseparable, but now that middle school is drawing to a close, things are changing. Tatum first notices this when Michael moves to town–the new kid, the new clarinet player who threatens Tatum’s chance at getting into the District Honor Band, and whose immediate interest in Lori threatens the girls’ friendship. As Lori begins to take Michael’s side over Tay’s, going so far as to ask her to throw her Honor Band audition so that Michael can claim the coveted spot, Tay struggles to cope with the change in her best friend. Tay is also wrestling with her parents’ recent separation and a friend who might want to be more from their relationship. The plot focuses on the upcoming band auditions, but the story is driven by the changing dynamics, all of which ring true to middle-school dramas. Tay’s parents, while not deeply developed as characters, are supportive without being intrusive. The ultimate message–that we don’t always get everything we want, even after sacrifices and hard work–is a valuable one, presented subtly. Girls looking for a realistic story will enjoy this one, and even those without musical aspirations will identify with Tatum’s problems.–Brandy Danner, Wilmington Memorial Library, MA