Allegra

March 11, 2013
In Hrdlitschka’s absorbing exploration of contemporary teen life, aspiring dancer Allegra Whitford, daughter of two musicians, is allowed to focus on her passion by spending her senior year at a performing arts high school, Deer Lake. Even Allegra’s lifelong social anxiety seems to be improving, since friendships come more easily at the new school, including a potential romance. But the most important relationship she starts to build is with the young, handsome, and charismatic music teacher, Mr. Rocchelli, who challenges her to compose a complex piece of music. The composition takes over Allegra’s life, as she uncovers her talent, skill, and excitement for the art form, which comes hand in hand with a budding infatuation with Mr. Rocchelli. Meanwhile, Allegra’s rock-star father realizes, a little too late, that his life on the road has estranged his wife, a classically trained harpist. Hrdlitschka (Sister Wife) realistically depicts teenage emotional turmoil as Allegra’s growing obsession with Mr. Rocchelli combines with despair at her parents’ separation and the ups and downs of her new friendships. The main characters’ devotion to the arts enriches the drama; the conclusion, while somewhat facile, is nevertheless satisfying. Ages 12–up.

June 1, 2013

Gr 8 Up-Allegra Whitford is thrilled to finally be at Deer Lake School for the Fine and Performing Arts. Although she is the daughter of two musicians (her dad plays in a popular band and her mom is an orchestra harpist), Allegra has her sights set on becoming a professional dancer. However, her excitement is dimmed by the school's requirement that she take a music-theory class. Despite her initial reluctance, Allegra soon begins to enjoy the class due to the charisma of its young and attractive teacher. The challenging project that Mr. Rocchelli assigns her and the tentative friendships that the shy teen begins to make at her new school all seem to bode well for Allegra's senior year. But the intensity of creating music and the increasing time she spends alone with Mr. Rocchelli start to make everyone, including Allegra herself, wonder if there could be something more to their relationship. The musical creations-whether through a rock-band jam session, playing a classical harp, or composing with a digital program-are described with loving detail but a light touch, appealing to both veteran musicians and neophytes, who will relish this opportunity to better appreciate the power of music. Allegra's artistic pursuits-and intense commitment-will resonate particularly with equally passionate teens, while her social anxiety and strained home life might be familiar, albeit painfully so, to a broader audience.-Evelyn Khoo Schwartz, Georgetown Day School, Washington, DC

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.