
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the quiet, heavy transition of a parental split or feeling like a background character in their own life. Melly is a shy girl who finds her voice behind a drum kit at summer camp, providing a relatable roadmap for kids who feel overlooked. The story beautifully handles the complexities of shifting best-friend dynamics and the tender, nervous excitement of a first same-sex crush. It is a secular, inclusive, and deeply empathetic choice for middle schoolers aged 9 to 13 who are learning that 'making noise' is sometimes the bravest thing they can do. Parents will appreciate the realistic, hopeful portrayal of finding identity amidst family upheaval.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book addresses divorce and LGBTQ+ identity directly but with a gentle, age-appropriate hand. The approach is secular and realistic. While the divorce is painful, the resolution is hopeful, focusing on Melly's resilience rather than a magical parental reconciliation.
A 10 or 11-year-old who feels like they are living in someone else's shadow, particularly a child dealing with 'new' family dynamics or wondering how to tell their friends about a first crush.
Read the scenes where Melly and Adeline discuss their feelings to facilitate open conversations about first crushes. The book is safe to read cold but invites dialogue about healthy boundaries in friendships. A parent might notice their child becoming increasingly withdrawn during a family change or struggling with a 'best friend' who has become bossy or exclusionary.
Younger readers (9-10) will focus on the fun of rock camp and the sadness of the divorce. Older readers (12-13) will more deeply resonate with the nuances of identity, the shifting social hierarchies, and the romantic subplots.
Unlike many 'divorce' books, this focuses on the child's creative outlet as a primary source of healing. The use of drumming as a metaphor for taking up space is exceptionally well-executed.
Melly, a shy middle-schooler, attends Camp Rockaway for two weeks of intensive band practice. Against the backdrop of her parents' recent separation, Melly discovers a genuine talent for the drums. As the camp progresses, her longtime best friend Olivia grows distant, and Melly develops feelings for a fellow camper named Adeline. The story culminates in a final performance where Melly must decide if she is ready to step into the spotlight.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.