Alexander, Jill S. Paradise
Feiwel&Friends/Macmillan Child Pub Gr 2011 248p 16.99 978-0-312-60541-4 jr/sr E-BN Realistic Fiction
Paisley, a girl drummer, must decide whether to live life wide open
and truthfully or to hide her musical talent from her disapproving mother. The
life of a small town Texas teenager rings true in this story of hopes and
dreams. Grades 8-12. Paisley has a
drummer’s heart hearing rhythm and beat in everything she experiences. With
great imagery, this novel tests the age old premise of whether a girl should
risk following her dreams or give in to her mother’s concerns that are based on
past regrets. Sisters Lacey and Paisley have dreams that are at odds with their
parents’ wishes for them. Lacey wants to go to become a hair and make-up artist
instead of singing and her wild behavior done on the sneak bothers Paisley.
Paisley also lives her own secret life of drumming for a local country rock boy
band. With the arrival of Paradise as
the lead singer, the band knows they can win the Texapalooza contest for high
school bands. As sparks of love fly between Paradise and Paisley, so too do the
sparks of discord at home. As a background story, other band members also have
pressures placed on them by parents who are musically talented. Interspersed
are love songs written by quiet Cal about Paisley that form his only voice in
the story. An unexpected plot twist at the end will stun readers expecting a
happily ever after story. The ability to cope with this disaster leaves the
reader with renewed hope. A tender look
at high school life in a small, rural Texas town. Being true to oneself as well
as to others is at the heart of this novel. Grades 8-12.
Music (Bands) - Fiction Lois McNicol
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