REHEARSAL FOR THE BIGTIME

by Berniece Rabe ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1988

Four sixth-graders, beginning instrumentalists, organize a practice group supervised by teen-aged Misty. Margo is a pretty middle child who deplores her own ability to use feminine wiles to get what she wants. Her clarinet presents an opportunity to excel in another way--as well as compete with archrival Ernestine, ""hard as steel, as in a crooked nail."" Misty agrees to be a practice listener, and the group of two boys and two girls from radically different backgrounds is formed. Misty is a martinet, but an encouraging, Supportive, philosophical one. The kids are soon self-styled ""Unrelated Siblings"" who discover that music can be integrated into life--not just at recitals but at a Halloween parade (they win a prize), a science fair (they're disqualified on a technicality), and a political event. By dint of hard work they learn a lot while becoming close' friends. Rabe often centers on problems (Margaret's Moves; The Girl with No Name); here, she writes a cheerfully vigorous story about more ordinary kids. Her focus on the practice experience keeps personal details to a minimum, but there are enough hints to give the story dimension. The book is neatly rounded when the group's success prompts Dad to call his ""little angel"" Margo instead of his usual belittling nickname. A lively, realistic story that kids should enjoy.

Pub Date: March 1, 1988

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 144

Publisher: Watts

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1988

Categories: CHILDREN'S