Duet

A quick and interesting musical read, full of history and mystery.

Narrated by Mirabelle, a goldfinch with an exceptional voice, this soulful story set near Boston offers a bird's-eye view of three friends bound together by their passion for music. Mirabelle loves to listen to her once-famous pianist neighbor Mr. Starek, an emigrant from Poland, play the piano; he, in turn, delights in her singing. But when his sister dies, Mr. Starek grows despondent and ill until he takes on new student Michael Jin, who reads as East Asian, a rising sixth grader preparing for an upcoming Chopin competition that could "open doors." Michael is initially reluctant to play, but when he does, his talent astonishes both Mirabelle and Mr. Starek. Over the next few weeks, Mirabelle attends the lessons, performing duets with Michael, learning the history of Polish composer Frédéric Chopin alongside that of French author George Sand and French painter Eugene Delacroix, and becoming involved in a mystery regarding a very old, very valuable piano. Rich with facts around goldfinches and music, Broach's (the Masterpiece Adventure series) novel employs vivid descriptions ("It comes in a torrent, a rush of silvery notes cascading over one another"), unique characters, and carefully crafted suspense. Occasional b&w illustrations by Chen (Dancing with Daddy) depict the characters. Ages 8-12. (May)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7--Narrator Mirabelle's positive (and slightly sassy) disposition is inviting from the first sentence, as she befriends a boy taking piano lessons from the music teacher whose backyard she lives in. Mirabelle is a goldfinch who loves singing more than anything and is fascinated by the talented new student. Michael is naturally gifted but reluctant to play because he is upset about having to leave behind a beloved former teacher; missing his father, who is working away from home; and nervous about starting middle school in the fall. However, when there are no adults in the music room, the goldfinch sings while he plays, and they develop a special bond. Before long, Mirabelle has become Michael's good luck charm, and he feels like he cannot play without her, which complicates his preparations for a music festival featuring works of the Polish composer Chopin. Meanwhile, Mirabelle's world is rocked when her mother lays three new eggs, meaning she and her brothers will have to start being more independent. The narrative pace is meandering with low stakes, until action picks up in the last quarter of the book as the music teacher becomes ill and light is shed on the mystery of a missing piano. An author's note clarifies which details on goldfinches and Chopin are factual and which are embellishments. Students with some experience in vocal or musical instrument performance will no doubt be drawn in by the shop talk as both bird and boy learn to broaden their horizons. VERDICT This touching novel explores themes of family, friendship, loss, art, and music through the perspective of a bubbly but reflective narrator. Recommended for large fiction collections.--Lauren Younger

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Masterpiece:

ALA Notable Children's Books
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
ABC E.B. White Read Aloud Award
CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI)
Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books of the Year
Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens
CPL: Chicago Public Library Best of the Best
Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award Master List
Illinois Bluestem Book Award
Illinois Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Choice Award Master List
Indiana Read Alouds Too Good to Miss Master List
Iowa Children's Choice Award Master List
Kansas State Reading Circle
Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Award Maser List
Nebraska Golden Sower Award Master List
Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Master List

* Inventive.... Broach...packs this fast-moving story with perennially seductive themes: hidden lives and secret friendships, miniature worlds lost to disbelievers.... Broach and Kelly show readers something new.

—Publishers Weekly, starred review