Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Julie M. Prince

At age ten, Zoe Elias is ready to live her dream. She intends to become a piano prodigy. Shell perform at Carnegie Hall, and everyone will applaud thunderously after every flawless performance.

But apparently shes destined to participate in the Peform-O-Rama with her cha-cha-cha organ instead.

Her agoraphobic dad spends lots of time with Zoe. Or, he did before Wheeler started following her home from school and distracting him. Now, the Wheeler and her father spend nearly every afternoon baking up a storm in the kitchen.
Since Zoes mom is always working, so theres nothing left to do but practice for the big competition. Her playing isnt yet as perfect as shed dreamed, but its a crooked kind of perfect that seems just right.

Zoe is like the girl next door. Kids will sympathize with her when she finds out her mother cant make it to the Perform-O-Rama. Theyll feel her embarrassment when her father flakes out in a crowd. But most of all, theyll experience her nerves as her turn to perform at the competition draws near.

This is a beautifully written story, which will resonate widely with its target audience.