Band Nerd

March 1, 2025
A graphic novel that tackles issues of alcoholism and family dysfunction. Lucy, a seventh grade flutist, nervously enters North Carolina's Windley School of the Arts. But before she can even leave for her first day of school, her parents descend into fighting. Thankfully, on the bus Lucy meets Malia, who becomes her first friend at Windley. Their friendship deepens--Malia also has family secrets, which allows them to bond. Over the next few months, Lucy's father does two stints in rehab. But unbeknownst to the school and her band friends, he's spiraling, and the fights between Lucy's parents are escalating. Meanwhile, making first chair in the band becomes an obsession for Lucy, a way to control her chaotic home life, but her overwhelming need to be the best creates conflicts in her friendships, and her plummeting grades lead to more stress. Cormarie's illustrations of the characters contrast their bright and expressive facial expressions when things are going well with the pain of interpersonal conflict. Willis' treatment of Lucy's father's personality when sober reveals an empathetic glimpse of the genuine love he feels for his children, showing the tragic impact that alcoholism and depression can have on a family. The regular panels feature clean, minimalistic backgrounds, emphasizing the largely white-presenting characters and their feelings. An insightful and optimistic yet realistic portrayal of coping with parental addiction.(Graphic fiction. 9-13)

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April 1, 2025

Gr 5-8-Seventh grade flutist Lucy is nervous about starting at a new arts-focused school. The flute is the one thing that makes her feel special-she's never been the best student, and her home life is far from stable. When she's placed as second flute instead of first, Lucy becomes obsessed with proving herself, pushing herself to unhealthy extremes. At home, her father's alcoholism creates chaos, turning him into a volatile and embarrassing presence. His behavior, whether showing up drunk to her birthday sleepover in his underwear or needing to be wrestled out of the bathtub, makes it hard for Lucy to maintain friendships. As the pressures of home and school begin to overwhelm her, Lucy must learn to ask for help. This graphic novel explores difficult issues with empathy and honesty. Lucy's friends face struggles too; Malia, who lives with her grandmother, hides a painful family secret, while Lucy's frenemy Tolli has a mother who pressures her to be the best flutist and diet to lose weight. Despite the conflict, the story is full of hope and resilience. Lucy finds support from her band teacher, guidance counselor, friends, siblings, and eventually her mother. Cormarie's expressive artwork enhances Willis's storytelling, adding emotional depth to every character. VERDICT A moving and ultimately uplifting story, this is a must-read for middle school libraries.-Amy Ribakove

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