This lovely contemporary middle grade by the talented Sherri Winston was another one of my ‘browsing the library’ wins, for which I give grateful thanks to my wonderful librarians! The Sweetest Sound is the heart-song story of young Cadence, who is so well known for being painfully shy that the whole town calls her Mouse.

As the book begins, she’s facing down her eleven-year-old birthday, and the promise she made almost a year ago that she’d share her secret singing gift, and get out of her shell. But that’s hard to do in a teeny tiny town where everyone is always making it up to her that her mom left the day after her seventh birthday, while her dad hovers over her, absolutely certain that she’s damaged beyond repair. However, her love of music and singing in the gospel choir pushes her on, as does her determination to make it into the audition-only youth choir with her friends, now that she’s old enough to try out. She takes baby steps toward being brave and accepting change throughout the book, but is forced to face the music, so to speak, and take a much bigger step when the anonymous audition video she uploaded accidentally goes public–and viral.

The Sweetest Sound is a little unusual in that Cadence’s church community plays such a strong role that they seem almost like extended family. Not something we often see outside of ‘Christian fiction,’ but perfect for this story, and after all, why shouldn’t this voice and her world be a part of mainstream fiction? Part of being true to more diverse voices is shedding categories that hold books back, or that throw up barriers between readers and books.

Several things I loved about this story:

• That Cadence and the vast majority of the other characters are black, but the book isn’t about race, per se. It’s just a book about a girl and her family and church community, that happens to be mostly black. The importance of books like Brown Girl Dreaming can’t be underestimated, but I also know that books like The Sweetest Sound are also of utmost importance if racial divisions are to be healed.
• The charming background of Cadence’s world, which felt as real as yours or mine. Her dog Lyra, her friends, her always fabulous Aunt Fannie, the kids at school, the church congregation–they will all live on in my head, as bright colors of vibrant life.
• Her relationship with her dad and big brother, Junior. Also the way the book quietly allows her to work through her feelings about her mom having left, and arrive at a healthier place. It’s nice to see a middle grade book with even one truly supportive, really cool parent, and even nicer that it’s her dad!
• The music! My husband, who is a pianist and has been walking beside me on this writing journey for years upon years, has commented on the scarcity of books with a strong music vibe. Many teen books toss in a little, with a play list or running music, but it’s rare to read a YA or MG book that really captures the heart of a musician. This book not only captures it, but sets a new standard for other books to live up to. Cadence/Mouse feels music all the way down to her soul, and it permeates everything about the way she takes in the world around her. We don’t have to be told how much music matters to her–it shines through on every page, and on every level. I loved it!

Now, let’s see what Apricot-kitty has to say:

“Football this, football that. I’ve never understood how humans could be so obsessed with other humans smashing into each other while they fight over a puffed-up piece of leather. Take it from me, no toy is worth that much trouble! Just let the others have it, and curl up in a cozy box, instead.”

I personally take Apricot-kitty’s view of football, and in fact have only watched two snippets of the Super Bowl in the last twenty plus years. And that was more football than I really wanted! But somehow the near-obsession of Junior and Cadence’s dad with football didn’t bug. In fact, I found the entire community’s football focus kind of endearing. For them it was fun, and a bonding thing, like gospel music and soul food. And I’m also well aware that those who watch and enjoy outnumber those of us who don’t! Perhaps the subplot of Junior’s football future and football generally will pull in a reader audience who might not go for this shy, music-loving story otherwise.

What are you reading lately? What books are you watching and waiting for? Tell me in the comments, and don’t forget to stop by Greg Pattridge’s blog for the full Marvelous Middle Grade Monday round up of reviews, spotlights, interviews and giveaways!

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