ENLY AND THE BUSKIN' BLUES

A sixth grader tries to make money to attend music camp.

When Enly Wu Lewis’ best friend, Pinky, shows him a flyer for a music-themed summer camp, Enly is determined to attend. It’s his chance to learn more than just the church songs and show tunes in his piano teacher’s repertoire and to become a musician like his late father. It’s an uphill battle, though—$2,800 for a two-week camp is out of the question. There’s no way his mother would divert any potential savings from his brother’s college fund, especially for music. But maybe Enly can earn the cash by busking with his keyboard. After a rough start with a new instrument (a melodica) and a possible lottery ticket payout, he might just make a dent in the camp costs. In this fast-moving tale, Liu explores the push and pull of dreams and circumstance. Readers will connect with idealistic Enly and his drive to pursue music despite the obstacles. A single parent in an increasingly gentrifying city, Enly’s mom is focused on day-to-day life and an economic path for her children. Ultimately, the family meets in the middle. Secondary characters like elderly piano teacher Ms. Maisie and Saxophone Joe, a grumpy, disabled war veteran, show the support found in community, though they, particularly Enly’s mother, could do with more nuanced portrayal. Enly is biracial (his mother is Chinese; his father was White), while Pinky is cued Black.

A quick-paced coming-of-age story exploring music and family expectations.