Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Beginner’s Welcome (HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2020) by Cindy Baldwin is such a beautifully written and touching book.
It’s the first day of 6th grade and Annie Lee wakes to the sound of her mother crying in the bathroom. It’s been eighty-three days since her father died, but it’s as if he’s not quite gone–whiskers in the sink, smell of his aftershave, one of his favorite records playing… Not only did Annie lose her father, she feels like she’s lost her mother, who has to work all the time. And her two best friends have drifted away, too. She’s never felt so alone in her whole life. Annie decides being invisible and not getting close to anyone is a good way not to be hurt again.
I agree with what New York Times Bestselling Author of Tuesdays at the Castle, Jessica Day George says: “As delicate and powerful as a sonata, Annie Lee’s story of music, magic, loss, and love should not be missed!”
Check out the author’s playlist for the book here on her blog. You’ll also learn about her own musical background. And read her bio here.
There have been way too many MG books about parental death recently. With that said this still sounds like a great story that many would connect to. I’ll be giving it a try myself. Thanks for featuring on MMGM.
I’d say it focuses more on other things, though she definitely is dealing with the grief of losing her father.
This sounds like a really beautiful story! I remember noticing that this book’s cover is really similar to The Question of Miracles by Elana K. Arnold. Thanks for the great review!
Now I’ll have to check that book out.
There seems to be a music angle that seems interesting. Thanks for sharing this book!
Yes, I love the music angle.
I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I really loved it too. Thanks for your thoughts.
I agree with Greg. It seems like death is a theme in so many of the books I’ve been reviewing. Although, I agree it does sound like an excellent story. And since music seems to be a part of the story, that grabs my attention. Thanks for sharing!