About This Book
Jon Skovron's 'Struts & Frets' is a poignant and humorous middle-grade novel about Sammy, a budding musician whose life is a whirlwind of band drama, a beloved grandfather's worsening health, and the confusing emotions of a first crush. As Sammy navigates these challenges, he grapples with self-doubt and the search for his own identity, all while trying to keep his indie rock band from self-destructing before the big Battle of the Bands. This book offers a realistic portrayal of growing up in a single-parent household, dealing with grief, and finding solace and strength in creative expression. It's ideal for readers aged 10-14 who are exploring complex emotions and finding their own voice.
Sammy wants to be a musician, as was his grandfather, but while the band he is in is self-destructing, Sammy is too distracted by his grandfather's decline and confused feelings about his best friend to fix it--and his mother stays too busy to help.
illness
sad_scenes
family_conflict
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Sammy use music to cope with the challenges in his life? What are some ways you cope with difficult feelings?
2
Discuss the different types of relationships Sammy has: with his grandfather, his mother, his bandmates, and his best friend. How do these relationships change throughout the story?
3
What does it mean to 'find your place in the world'? How is Sammy trying to find his place?
4
The book mentions Sammy's grandfather was a musician. How does his grandfather's past influence Sammy's dreams and identity?
5
What advice would you give Sammy about balancing his band, his family, and his feelings for his best friend?
External Reviews
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.