Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

 Junior realistic fiction. This is the second book by this author that I have read and enjoyed. She also wrote A Tangle of Knots which I highly recommend. Albie is growing up in the middle of New York City and is in 5th grade. His life isn't always easy. He has family issues, friend issues, school issues. Really he is a pretty typical kid growing up in the world today. What makes Albie stand out is his ability to continue to live his life amid the imperfections. He does this with the help of friends and family members. These people are not perfect and make mistakes, but they also make life better for Albie and he in turn makes life better for others. I especially loved how his family dynamics were able to grow and change and that we don't ever have to accept that our current situation is permanent. We can change. 

Recommend: Yes. 

Duet by Elise Broach

 Junior Fiction. The subtitle on the book jacket explains perfectly the plot of this book: A bird. A boy. A musical mystery. This was not only a musical adventure for me as I read about one of my favorite composers, Frederick Chopin, but it was a lovely story about how music touches all of us, both human and animal. The story is told from the viewpoint of a goldfinch named Mirabelle who lives in the garden of a retired pianist. He is old and his health is wavering, but he decides to take on one student in his retirement and what a student this young boy is. Thus the melody of this story unfolds, painfully, beautifully, poignantly, and triumphantly. 

Recommend: Yes