“Brittany walked calmly to her locker, thinking about what Pilar had said. Could being kind to her enemies really work?”
Brittany’s days are filled with highs and lows in Harmony Blues. When her artwork is chosen to be displayed at the state capitol, she feels on top of the world. Then, her parents tell her they have special plans that night. As an only child, Brittany hopes they are celebrating her achievement, but instead, they tell her she’s going to be a big sister, which is the last thing she wanted to hear.
Harmony Blues is the third book in the Choir Girls series by Victoria Kimble. I was given an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair review. I also read and reviewed advanced copies of the first two books, Soprano Trouble and Alto Secrets. The series is geared toward middle school girls.
Brittany feels lonely at home with a father who is a doctor and a mother who is a veterinarian. Her parents often make her feel self-conscious about her weight and they don’t make her accomplishments a priority. While her painting is on display at the capitol all winter break, they never go to see it. Her mother is experiencing morning sickness, which means Brittany has to decorate the house for Christmas by herself. The worst is when Brittany’s mom tells her she’s planning to stay home when the baby is born – why couldn’t she have stayed home with her?
Brittany tries to turn to her best friend, Cammie, but she’s upset that her artwork wasn’t chosen and Brittany’s was. Her loneliness leaves her open to creating new friendships, but the people who are friendly toward her are people that Cammie doesn’t like. Brittany has to decide who to be friends with and how to forge a way ahead with her parents.
I enjoyed reading this book. Kimble’s writing style takes me right back to middle school and the thoughts that run through girls’ heads at that age. The characters quickly come to life. While I liked Brittany’s character and could relate to her, this wasn’t my favorite book in the series. It ended with me wanted to know more about how Brittany resolved things with her parents about the new baby. That may be a future book, though.
I would recommend this book for any upper elementary or middle-school age girl. There is a Christian theme to the books, but it’s not heavy handed. Keep these series in mind as a terrific gift for the young ladies in your life.
Who was your favorite author when you were in middle school? Why? Comment below with your answer!