THE HIGH NOTE

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.