My Year of Epic Rock

Gr 5–9—Nina is excited for the start of seventh grade. She is planning many adventures with her best friend, Brianna. Unfortunately, the first day of school proves to be anything but epic. Brianna has become best friends with a new girl and spends most of her time ignoring Nina. With nary a friend in sight, Nina is forced to sit at the peanut-free lunch table with peers who also have food allergies. These are the people Nina and Brianna used to mock, so it is somewhat discomfiting to be with the "outcasts" all of a sudden. As seventh grade progresses, Nina learns all about the highs and lows of making new friends as they prepare for the school talent show. Nina is an exasperated tween who doesn't want to put up with her family's coddling when it comes to her food allergies. She feels the push and pull of her relationship with Brianna and it frustrates her. Fortunately, Nina is brave and at times, pragmatic, and recognizes she deserves to be treated better. With food allergies becoming commonplace for many kids, Nina's struggles will hit the right note with readers. Pyros does not break new ground with these middle school struggles, but Nina is a likable character and her story feels authentic. A charming addition to upper elementary and middle school collections.—Sarah Wethern, Douglas County Library, Alexandria, MN