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