The High Note (Girl vs Boy Band 2)

May 1, 2017

Gr 5-8-This second installment of the series begins right on the heels of its predecessor, The Right Track, which is a necessary read to enjoy the sequel. Lark Campbell is still dealing with the everyday issues of middle school and with her home being taken over by budding British boy band Abbey Road, signed to her mom's record label, Lotus Records. But now her crush, Teddy, is in the group and her own budding singing career is taking off on YouTube. Lark is also still writing songs for the band. Seeing the difficulties of stardom firsthand through Teddy, Lark must decide if she wants to stay behind the scenes or take center stage. The cultural and ethnic backgrounds of most characters are not specified, with the exception of Lark's best friend Mimi, a budding video director and Lotus Records' media intern, who is Latina. A few problematic moments pepper the plot, such as when Lark and Teddy giggle at some girls ordering a slew of junk food and diet sodas and when rising country star Holly says that in order to keep the media's focus "on the music," she "doesn't prance around in skimpy little outfits." While many supporting characters are one-dimensional (such as mean girl Ally Drake) and the plot is semi-predictable, the cheerful wish fulfillment and chaste romance aspects of this series will likely hook many fans. VERDICT Purchase where the first title did well or where fans of Disney's Camp Rock and Hannah Montana reign supreme.-Brittany Drehobl, Eisenhower Public Library District, IL

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2017
Boy-band Abbey Road and their gal pal Lark return.Following series opener The Right Track (2016), preteen Lark is still adjusting to a life with pop stars and mansions. Her mother's record company is starting to get off the ground thanks to the British sensation Abbey Road. Of course, the band is only two-thirds British. The third member of the band is Lark's dreamy, white schoolmate Teddy. While Abbey Road prepares for its big American debut, Lark fiddles with her own songwriting career, posting anonymous YouTube videos that quickly go viral. The wish fulfillment is high in this sugary sequel. Conflict is practically absent, as Lark enjoys a lavish lifestyle, crafts lovely songs, and experiences complete support from both of her parents, who are divorced. The dizzying highs of jamming with expert musicians and shopping for new outfits are fun, but there isn't much else for readers to get out of this one. Escapism is all well and good, but readers may tire of the absence of conflict. Lark writes good songs and earns her parents' respect and wins the heart of the boy with ease, leaving little room for personal growth. The 12-year-old also speaks and acts like a mature 14-year-old, adding to the book's fantasy elements. The final result is a pleasant, dreamy tale that will entice many Taylor Swift fans but won't end up on any year's-best lists. A light and fluffy wish-granting machine. (Fiction. 8-12)

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