Wildflower

May 5, 2014
Bird Barrett is named after Lady Bird Johnson, yet the name fits her in other ways, too—she has a gorgeous voice, and when she plays fiddle with her family’s bluegrass band, her fingers fly. Bird loves writing and playing music, and traveling the country with her parents and two brothers, squeezed tight in their RV, moving from one show to the next—especially when their paths cross with fellow country singer, Adam Dean. When Bird steps in to sing lead one night, everything changes. Suddenly, record deals are on the table, but signing could mean giving up playing with the Barrett Family Band. Whitaker (The Queen of Kentucky) has a knack for evoking the feel of a live performance—both the atmosphere of the venue and what it’s like to play on stage. She’s created a winning protagonist in Bird and given her a life that’s unusual, a fascinating career, plenty of struggles to overcome, and a comforting and supportive family, even when they disagree. Fans of shows like Nashville will fly through this like Bird on her fiddle. Ages 12–up.

May 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up-Bird and her family are members of a bluegrass band that play at various local venues around the United States, touring in their beloved RV named Winnie. The family is extremely close, united by tragedy and their love of music. Aside from her beautiful voice, masterly fiddling, and song-writing skills, Bird is a regular teenager who fights with her brothers, loves to text on her phone, and wants a handsome fellow performer to notice her. Things begin to change when a talent scout for a record company offers Bird, but not the entire family, a contract. The Barrett Family Band faces an uncertain future as they relocate to Nashville, where Bird can begin recording her music. Her family members put their own careers on hold, causing some strife with her older brothers while the teen struggles to adjust to long days and a life that is no longer her own. Fans of country music will enjoy the contemporary references to well-known stars, and aspiring musicians will appreciate the detailed plotlines involving Bird's work in crafting music and song lyrics. As a bonus, an appended section provides the sheet music and lyrics to Bird's "hit" song "Notice Me." Instant success isn't always this easy, but Wildflower gives the reader a satisfying novel with a cast of characters who are all worthy of making it to the top of the charts.-Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2014
Bird Barrett's life isn't exactly normal: Since she was 9, she has been touring, playing bluegrass music with the Barrett Family Band.She is used to living in an RV, being in a different city every night and not having any close friends outside of her family. She yearns to be noticed by Adam Dean, another traveling musician who often plays the same venues as her family. However, she never expected to be noticed by an agent for a major record label at one of their shows. Before long she has a record deal, is in the studio laying down original tracks with seasoned musicians, and has legions of fans. Bird is suddenly a public figure living in the spotlight, which has implications not only for her music, but also for her family and her budding relationship with Adam. What separates this novel from others featuring teenage superstars is how grounded Bird is, even as she struggles to process the dramatic changes taking place in her life. Her family is loving and supportive, though Bird's choices do provoke natural tension among them at times. Genuine dialogue, a quick pace and a plot that strikes the right balance between realistic and fantastic make for an engaging read. The lyrics and sheet music for one of Bird's songs are appended.This tender introduction to a newly minted country superstar sets the stage for a compelling series. (Fiction. 12-16)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.