Battle of the Bands
(Major Eights #1)

Gr 2-4--Jasmine and her friends have been blithely jamming out together and making up silly songs. When she discovers there will be a Battle of the Bands at this year's Fall Festival, she has to convince the other Major Eights to register. Jasmine also discovers that Leslie Miller, her classmate and major source of competition, has also signed up to perform a piano solo. As pressure mounts, so does discord within the junior music group. Reed has created an inclusive set of young female characters learning to work collaboratively while also preserving their friendship. Themes of conquering one's fears and female empowerment are felt within the narrative and are tailored for the early elementary set. Pépin's experience in the video game industry influences her designs and makes the characters in the series animated and appealing to young readers. VERDICT A new beginning chapter series that will be music to many independent readers' ears, especially if they enjoy relatable realistic fiction.--Claire Moore, Manhattan Beach Library, CA

A quartet of culturally diverse third-grade girls gears up to compete in a battle of the bands competition in this cheerful opening title in the Major Eights series, narrated by keyboard player Jasmine. There are some expected bumps: Jasmine commits the group to performing before checking with them, and she picks out a love song for them to play that doesn't suit anyone. But these and other troubles are tidily resolved as the girls recognize that having fun is more important than winning. There's little doubt that the Major Eights will surmount their obstacles, but Reed (a pseudonym of Rie Neal) creates real emotional tension along the way. Final art not seen by PW. Simultaneously available: Scarlet's Big Break. Ages 6-8. Author's agent: Carrie Pestritto, Prospect Agency. Illustrator's agency: Bright Agency. (Jan.)

Gr 2-4--An entertaining new series for beginning chapter book sections. Jasmine, Becca, Maggie, and Scarlet are four friends who love jamming out in Jasmine's basement. When Jasmine's brother challenges her to prove the group's worth in the Battle of the Bands, trouble starts. The girls argue and the pressure to win begins to create tension. The protagonists, especially Jasmine, learn the value of friendship and working together. They also learn that being yourself is the most rewarding choice to make. The characters in the story are from an array of diverse backgrounds. There are illustrations on every page. VERDICT Students will enjoy this short and upbeat book with its rockin' cast of characters. A solid purchase.--V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC