Why do you think Rachel didn't want to practice the piano?

This is a discussion prompt for Rachel's Recital by Melinda Green. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Have you ever felt nervous about doing something you weren't prepared for? How did you handle it?

This is a discussion prompt for Rachel's Recital by Melinda Green. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What do you think Rachel learned from her experience with the recital?

This is a discussion prompt for Rachel's Recital by Melinda Green. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Is it always important to be honest about how you feel, even if it's about something you don't like doing?

This is a discussion prompt for Rachel's Recital by Melinda Green. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Rachel's Recital

Name: Rachel's Recital
ISBN: 9780316326346

by Melinda Green

Rachel hates piano lessons and refuses to practice. When her first recital arrives, she must find a way to face the music in this realistic chapter book.

About This Book

Rachel, who dislikes piano lessons so much she won't practice, faces her first recital unprepared.

Concepts

Anxiety & Worry Anger & Frustration Fear & Bravery Self-Confidence & Identity Resilience & Perseverance Honesty & Integrity Shame & Guilt Peer Pressure Growing Up Music School Life

Heads up, parents

anxiety

peril_danger

Wonderlit Review

Melinda Green's 'Rachel's Recital' is a timeless and gentle exploration of a common childhood dilemma: facing an obligation you've neglected. Rachel's disdain for piano lessons and her subsequent lack of practice are immediately relatable to many young readers. The book doesn't shy away from the anxiety and guilt Rachel feels as her first recital approaches, providing a realistic portrayal of her internal struggle. The emotional arc is one of mounting tension and worry, followed by a resolution that emphasizes courage and the importance of facing challenges, even when unprepared. It's not about achieving perfection, but about showing up and doing your best under difficult circumstances. This book is specifically for children who are struggling with the demands of extracurricular activities, performance anxiety, or the consequences of procrastination. A parent might reach for this when their child is resisting practice, dreading a performance, or needs to understand the link between effort and outcome. For younger readers (4-7), it works well as a read-aloud, prompting discussions about feelings and responsibilities. Older elementary children (8-11) can read it independently and connect with Rachel's internal monologue and the subtle lessons about integrity and perseverance. What sets it apart is its straightforward, empathetic approach to a very common childhood experience, offering comfort and a starting point for conversation without being overly didactic.