Duet

Reach for this book when your child is facing performance anxiety, struggling with a lack of motivation, or feeling the heavy weight of expectations. It is a gentle yet gripping choice for children who feel they have to be perfect to be valued. The story follows Michael, a piano prodigy who has lost his spark, and Mirabelle, a musically gifted goldfinch who helps him find it again. Through their secret bond, they embark on a mystery involving a missing piano and the historical lives of Chopin and George Sand. This novel beautifully balances emotional depth with a fast-paced historical mystery. It explores themes of creative burnout, the healing power of unconventional friendships, and the importance of finding joy in one's craft rather than just seeking prizes. It is a sophisticated but accessible choice for middle-grade readers who appreciate stories that blend reality with a touch of animal magic.