Band Nerd
books by Sarah Clawson Willis
A heartfelt coming-of-age story about music, family, and friendship—perfect for fans of Roller Girl and New Kid. For twelve-year-old Lucy Carver, music isn’t just a way of life, it’s an escape from homework and home life with her alcoholic father. When Lucy starts seventh grade at Windley School of the Arts, with its high academic standards and even higher artistic expectations, it becomes much harder to keep everything in tune. As things spiral out of control with her parents and her schoolwork, Lucy grows desperate for a win and focuses all her energy on beating snobby Tolli Claybourne for first chair flute. But just when she thinks she’s hitting all the right notes, an accident leaves Lucy unable to play, and her mother threatens to withdraw her for poor grades. Now Lucy must choose: sabotage Tolli or give up on her dream. The author’s attention to narrative cohesion ensures that the story remains engaging from start to finish. Subplots are handled carefully, supporting the main storyline rather than distracting from it. This integration strengthens the overall structure. The themes explored in this book are presented in a way that encourages interpretation rather than forcing conclusions. Readers are invited to draw their own insights based on the situations and choices faced by the characters. This open-ended approach often leads to a more rewarding and memorable reading experience.