Boy Seeking Band

Description

Great music and great friendships aren't always in harmony. Terence Kato is a prodigy bass player but he's determined to finish middle school on a high note. Life has other plans. In eighth grade he's forced to transfer from a private arts school to a public school where the kids seemingly speak a different language. Luckily Terence knows a universal one music. He sets out to build a band and in the process make a few friends.

Steve Brezenoff is the author of more than fifty middle-grade chapter books, including the Field Trip Mysteries series, the Ravens Pass series of thrillers, and the Return to the Titanic series. He's also written three young-adult novels, Guy in Real Life; Brooklyn, Burning; and The Absolute Value of -1. In his spare time, he enjoys video games, cycling, and cooking. Steve lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Beth, and their son and daughter. .

...the story is comfortably uplifting. Music fans will delight in (and most likely run to look up) the dizzying array of musicians mentioned. . . .culminates in a feel-good read.-- "Kirkus Reviews" Brezenoff (Guy in Real Life) touches on many concerns and stresses in Terence's life, including his father's depression, being bullied, and his elitist attitude toward the arts program at Franklin. . . .the disaffected tone of the narration nicely mirrors Terence's angst, and his friendship with the band's vocalist, Meredith "Eddie" Carson, is well developed.-- "Publishers Weekly" Brezenoff's winning novel is about how Terence gets over himself, connects with talented musicians that excite him even more than his private school band mates did, and finally forms friendships that help him deal with his grief, rather than avoid it. Terence's love of music is the bridge that leads him back--to people and to being engaged in the world. The book does an excellent job conveying this love in an authentic manner that music-loving readers will appreciate.-- "VOYA" In this realistic, contemporary novel, Brezenoff creates a cast of unlikely characters with whom readers will empathize, and they'll cheer as Terence and his dad find new meaning to life and friendship.-- "Booklist Online" There's a lot to like about this book, but the major thing that stands out to me is this: this is a great book for reluctant/struggling readers who want something that looks/feels "older" than they might normally read. . . .Brezenoff excels in creating interesting characters. Though Terence holds everyone at a distance, including the reader, the depth of his complicated feelings is clear. He's surrounded by other people who show there is more to them than what they seem. BOY SEEKING BAND is a well-written look at the ways grief can change a life. Packed with music references, this will appeal to a wide range of readers, but especially to anyone who loves music as much as Terence does. A great addition for both middle grade and young adult collections.-- "Teen Librarian Toolbox, School Library Journal"