The Color of Sound
by Emily Barth Isler
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Pub Date Mar 05 2024 | Archive Date Feb 29 2024
Lerner Publishing Group | Carolrhoda Books ®
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Description
"[A] salient celebration of family, music, and neurodiversity." —starred, Publishers Weekly
"A top pick for any middle school collection; a perfect book club pick and a reminder to all that patience and understanding can change lives." —starred, School Library Journal
Twelve-year-old Rosie is a musical prodigy whose synesthesia allows her to see music in colors.
She’s never told anyone this, though. She already stands out more than enough as a musical “prodigy” who plays better than most adults. Rosie’s mom expects her to become a professional violinist. But this summer, Rosie refuses to play.
She wants to have a break. To make friends and discover new hobbies. To find out who she would be if her life didn’t revolve around the violin.
So instead of attending a prestigious summer music camp, Rosie goes with her mom to visit her grandparents. Grandma Florence’s health is failing, Grandpa Jack doesn’t talk much, and Rosie’s mom is furious with her for giving up the violin. But Rosie is determined to make the most of her “strike.” And when she meets a girl who seems distinctly familiar, she knows this summer will be unlike any other.
With help from a mysterious glitch in time—plus her grandparents, an improv group, and a new instrument—Rosie uncovers secrets that change how she sees her family, herself, and the music that’s always been part of her.
Advance Praise
"Well-crafted, heartfelt, and affecting."—Barbara Dee, author of Maybe He Just Likes You and Unstuck
"This tale of connection, family, and generational secrets will tug on your heart as you root for Rosie to find her song and herself."—Elly Swartz, author of Dear Student
"The Color of Sound is a valentine to families everywhere. Isler explores multiple intergenerational relationships lovingly and honestly, while keeping a gifted and vulnerable girl firmly at the center. It's hard to imagine a book that I would want both my parents and my children to read, and yet, here is one." —John Cho, New York Times bestselling author of Troublemaker
"The Color of Sound is the perfect summer read, sure to become a perennial favorite."—Joanne Levy, award-winning author of Sorry for Your Loss
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781728487779 |
| PRICE | $19.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 336 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Adelle J, Reviewer
This book was so good! I loved reading about how the main character slowly learned to be comfortable playing her instrument and learned about herself. The ending was AMAZING!
Ana V T, Reviewer
This is a beautiful emotional middlegrade about a twelve-year-old violin prodigy with synesthesia. The way the author uses this to connect and homage the family is one of the most beautiful chapters I've read.
Sometimes middle-grade books are not just to help children cope with changes and how hard it is to be this age, sometimes they are the perfect tools for parents who micromanage or force a child down a path thinking they are doing the best for their children. These books become wonderful windows into both sides of the story and experience (child and parents' feelings and issues).
I love that Rosie is curious about herself as an individual but also curious about her family history, culture, and religion. Her growth as a person was very positive and inspiring.
Explores themes such as: what it means to be a good friend, identifying being selfish or not, connection with family (different generations), abandoning ego, self-centered perspective of the world, and acknowledging others as people with their pain or joy. Self-discovery, Jewish family, Holocaust memories, loss of a family member, learning to apologize at the right time. Being brave and honest. Synesthesia, classical music.
The best lesson here is compromise, a healthy balance, and mutual respect.
Thank you publisher and Netgalley for this e-ARC.
Reviewer 1084098
Twelve-year-old Rosie is a musical prodigy whose synesthesia allows her to see music in colors. Her mom has always pushed her to become a concert violinist, but this summer Rosie refuses to play, wanting a "normal" life
A beautiful an poignant middle-grade novel that is perfect for any kid who feels like they're too different from their peers. I may have cried a little toward the end.
Literary R, Reviewer
A multilayered gem of a book about Rosie, a preteen violin prodigy with synesthesia, which lets her see music in colors. The author has the gift too and brings this form of neurodiversity to vivid life.
There is so much depth in THE COLOR OF SOUND: family secrets and conflict, the generational trauma of the Holocaust, what it means to truly connect, what it means to be oneself. Highly recommended for YA readers 11-14 and adults who love beautifully spun stories.
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