  | Operatic Author: Maclear, Kyo | |
| Price: $23.96 | ||
Summary:
About to graduate from middle school, Charlie is preoccupied with a crush, Emile, and the absence of Luka, a boy in her class, who has not come to school in days. In Mr. P's music class, she hears the songs of opera singer Maria Callas and falls in love with opera. Maria's story helps Charlie navigate her own world.
| Illustrator: | Eggenschwiler, Byron |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 3.40 Points: 1.0 Quiz: 503905 | Reading Counts Information: Interest Level: 6-8 Reading Level: 3.60 Points: 5.0 Quiz: 76821 | |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (03/01/19)
School Library Journal (+) (00/04/19)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 04/01/2019 Gr 5–8—Two months before middle school graduation, Charlotte (Charlie) Noguchi and the rest of class 8C have one final assignment—to find the soundtrack of their lives, a song that has meaning for them. Their music teacher Mr. K introduces them to different styles, including metal, pop, rap, jazz, emo, and opera. Yellow tones dominate these sections of the book with realistic, detailed, eye-catching art and cross hatching that adds dimension. Breaking up the main plot, Charlie shares her story from behind the empty desk in her class. Yellow switches dramatically to blue for flashback scenes. A lone desk is shown in the middle of the panel framed by Charlie's hair, giving it the appearance of theater curtains parting. Luka, with his long shiny hair and beautiful singing voice, left school after singing a song to Emile. Charlie seems to like Emile but is also worried about Luka and hopes he'll come back to school. Colored in red, Charlie also discusses famed opera singer and diva Maria Callas. Drawn to her music and life story, Charlie researches Callas for her final project. A bibliography with further reading about the singer is included at the end of the graphic novel. VERDICT Brimming with raw emotion, music references, and gorgeous art, this memorable and relatable graphic novel will linger with readers.—Marissa Lieberman, East Orange Public Library, NJ - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
