Free Piano (Not Haunted)

Picture1
Age Range
10+
Release Date
July 01, 2025
ISBN
978-1665938136
The piano is free, but fame has a price.
 
 On the sleepy streets of Cascade Cove, lonely Margot knows that when she stumbles across a discarded synthesizer with a “not haunted” sign, she’s discovered the key to realizing her dreams. Determined to become a real songwriter and earn her absent father’s admiration, Margot dives headfirst into trying to gain followers and fans online. But her musical journey takes an unexpected turn when she realizes the (not haunted) piano is very much…haunted.
 
 Enter Vision, teen pop sensation of 1979 whose untimely demise left her spirit intertwined with the keys of her synthesizer. Though Margot and Vision couldn’t be more different, the girls form an unlikely bond fueled by their shared passion for music.
 
 But as Margot’s obsession with fame and recognition grows, she may come dangerously close to losing what she loves about music…and herself.

Editor review

1 review
A Spooky Fun Graphic Novel Read
(Updated: June 07, 2026)
Overall rating
 
4.0
Plot
 
4.0
Characters
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
4.0
What lighthearted and slightly spooky graphic novel that is a great read for any time of the year. Free Piano is a story that mixes elements of a retro vibe, musicality, and a coming-of-age story. Told from the perspective of the main character, Margot, readers follow her journey of self-discovery and passion for music. Margot feels lonely due her busy working mom and a fame-obsessed musician dad and the arrival of a mysterious piano fills that emptiness. However, the piano comes with more than Margot’s bargained for, and she must decide if this instrument is a blessing or a curse.

Garnder makes this graphic so entertaining to read with the fun concept and vibrant colors used within the artwork. Through doing so, she channels some of the 80s vibes reflected around the theme and piano Margot discovers (a synthesizer, which was popular during that era). It made the story immersive while reflecting bold, bright, and clashing color palettes of that time.

Margot’s journey is relatable and will stick with readers of this graphic novel as she confronts feelings of loneliness and imposter syndrome. The novel discusses the competitive nature of social media and how her friends, including her new friend from beyond the grave how to overcome social pressure. Overall, the message of the book is very meaningful and the story is entertaining. I recommend this to middle-grader readers looking for a not-so-spooky.
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