Reading Metrics
Description
Cline Alden's grandmother says that music is in the family's blood, but Cline's mother is dead-set against her daughter's dreams of becoming a country music singer. Themes include homophobia.
Quick Summary
Cline Alden's dream of belting out country hits at a local talent show collides head-on with her mom's stubborn refusal to let music take over the family's life, and the story unfolds with a mix of humor, heart-wrenching honesty, and a few genuinely tense moments that will keep readers on edge. The book shines because it lets a spunky, self-aware teen navigate not just stage fright but also the tricky waters of growing up queer in a small town, with a warm grandmother who slips her a guitar and a supportive circle of friends who help her find her voice. If you love stories about kids chasing their artistic passions like the way Nate chased his musical-theater dreams in *Better Nate Than Ever* you'll root for Cline, but you'll also get a deeper look at family pressure and LGBTQ+ identity that makes the stakes feel real. The writing is punchy and the dialogues feel like something you'd hear in a school hallway, so it's a quick, enjoyable read for middle-graders who enjoy humor mixed with emotional depth. Parents should know that the book tackles homophobia openly, but it does so in a way that's age-appropriate and ultimately uplifting, making it a great conversation starter about acceptance and following your own path.