The High Note

Gr 5–8—This second installment of the series begins right on the heels of its predecessor, The Right Track, which is a necessary read to enjoy the sequel. Lark Campbell is still dealing with the everyday issues of middle school and with her home being taken over by budding British boy band Abbey Road, signed to her mom's record label, Lotus Records. But now her crush, Teddy, is in the group and her own budding singing career is taking off on YouTube. Lark is also still writing songs for the band. Seeing the difficulties of stardom firsthand through Teddy, Lark must decide if she wants to stay behind the scenes or take center stage. The cultural and ethnic backgrounds of most characters are not specified, with the exception of Lark's best friend Mimi, a budding video director and Lotus Records' media intern, who is Latina. A few problematic moments pepper the plot, such as when Lark and Teddy giggle at some girls ordering a slew of junk food and diet sodas and when rising country star Holly says that in order to keep the media's focus "on the music," she "doesn't prance around in skimpy little outfits." While many supporting characters are one-dimensional (such as mean girl Ally Drake) and the plot is semi-predictable, the cheerful wish fulfillment and chaste romance aspects of this series will likely hook many fans.