After the Wallpaper Music

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Author(s)
Publisher Name
Pajama Press
Age Range
8+
Release Date
October 08, 2024
ISBN13
978-1772783223
ISBN10 or ASIN
      
For twelve-year-old violinist Flora, growing up doesn’t always mean growing apart. But when a Battle of the Bands starts to divide Flora’s friend group, she knows that music will either separate them or bring them back together again.
Playing violin makes twelve-year-old Flora feel alive, whether she is playing with her friends in their string quartet or playing fiddle for her Auntie Flora.

When a music competition is announced, Flora wants her string quartet to play a classical song like they always do, but her friends want to play something new. Then, Simon, a talented drummer, who is struggling with a recent loss, invites Flora to join his rock trio. Pulled in several directions, Flora must decide if she is willing to risk her friendships by playing in Simon’s band.

For Flora, finding harmony with her friends, family, and music just became more difficult.

This coming of age story explores what it means to grow into yourself and risk growing apart from what you know.

Celebrated author Jean Mills utilizes her musical talents in this uplifting novel that showcases the joys of music, and the power it has to bring people together. 

Editor review

1 review
Love and Joy of Music
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Bursting with the love and joy of music, After the Wallpaper Music tells the story of Flora, mostly violinist, sometimes fiddler, as she navigates tricky situations with new and old friends while preparing for the upcoming Battle of the Bands. Although Flora loves her string quartet, the music she sees at the new kid Simon's house speaks to her in a whole new way, and she must fight to balance those two commitments, while also navigating a sudden family emergency.

As a former band kid, I absolutely adored this book. From the warm chaos of music class, to the joking stereotypes between instruments, to the classical and rock and Newfoundland folk tunes, every detail evoked the joy of music, for the art itself and the feeling that grows when playing with other musicians.

Flora is also super down to earth and relatable. Much of the tension in the story comes from worries about whether she can please her friends, and I appreciated her fears, the confrontations, and the resolutions as an example of how people who care about each other can still disagree, and that disagreeing doesn't have to lead to resentment or negative feelings.

Another important element is Flora's relationship with her great aunt, who lives in the same house and encourages her music. She can be strict and particular about more things than proper tempo, but there's also lots of love to go around and I loved seeing the supportive dynamics of this multigenerational household.
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