How to Write the Soundtrack to Your Life
Fiona Hardy
Kane Miller Publishing
Published August 25, 2020
Kane Miller Website | Bookshop | Goodreads
About How to Write the Soundtrack to Your Life
Murphy Parker is going to be a songwriter. If she can summon up the nerve to play in front of anyone other than her dad, that is. When an unplanned keyboard performance at school goes well, Murphy wonders if maybe her dreams have a chance after all. Until her entire grade accuses her of plagiarism.
Someone out there is playing Murphy’s songs. But why? How did they hear her play? Desperate to clear her name and reclaim her music, Murphy makes an unlikely alliance with two of her classmates. Turns out, friendship might be even more complicated than tracking down a song thief…
From the up-and-coming talent behind HOW TO MAKE A MOVIE IN 12 DAYS comes a funny and moving mystery about family, friendship and finding your voice.
My Review
Oh, wow. I really identified with Murphy as the quiet kid in school. The way people treated her, where they assumed things about her and filled in the blanks about her life, really resonated with me. I totally understood how difficult it was for her to speak up, even when she had something to say. I remember having those experiences and being so frustrated with them.
Murphy has a family life that’s not often represented in children’s books. She has a close relationship with her dad, and he’s doing the best that he can and visits her a lot. She lives with her aunt, uncle, and cousins, though. This gives her a lot of stability and support. I liked her family members and the dynamics between them.
While the plot of the story centers around Murphy’s music and finding out who stole her songs, the true superstar in the story is in the relationships. In the beginning, Murphy considers two girls her best and only friends. As the story unfolds, the way she sees those relationships and others changes. She learns what it means to be a friend in addition to what it means to have one. The narrative balances the relationship and mystery elements really well while also giving readers a glimpse into life with a parent diagnosed with depression.
This is the first novel by Fiona Hardy that I’ve read, but I’m looking forward to reading her other book, How to Write a Movie in 12 Days, which follows one of the minor characters in this book.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.
Representation
Murphy’s dad has depression. Her mom is absent. She lives with her aunt, uncle, and cousins.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.
Romance/Sexual Content
None.
Spiritual Content
None.
Violent Content
Other kids taunt Murphy and say mean things to her. She describes being bullied by a girl in the past. References to someone hospitalized for depression.
Drug Content
None.
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but help support this blog. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday
I’m sharing this post as a part of a weekly round-up of middle-grade posts called Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday. Check out other blogs with posts about middle-grade books today on Marvelous Middle-Grade Mondays at Always in the Middle with Greg Pattridge.
I like the concept of someone stealing someone’s music. Very interesting mystery, and I do like a good mystery. I’ll put this one on my list. Thanks for the review.
Yay! Glad this one will make it on your list. 🙂 Thanks, Rosi.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one a few years back when I read it. The main character is endearing as is the unique plot. Thanks for your review.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, too. 🙂 Hope you have a great week!
Looks like another good book about the challenges of being a pre-teen human 🙂
Yes! Thanks, Rebecca. 🙂
I was the quiet child in school too! (Also in college and up to recently in work!) It’s a great premise, and sounds like it’s done really well. It will certainly resonate with a lot of people. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Valinora. High five for also being/having been a quiet person! 🙂
This looks interesting, but I think it’s Kane Miller publishing that makes it really hard to get books. It’s tough to use a lot of vendors in the school setting, and this isn’t available through Follett. That said, I’m reading a Scottish title today because it just sounds interesting!
I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s a shame, because I’ve read some really cool books by them. A Scottish title sounds like lots of fun! I can’t wait to hear more about that. 😀