In a timely, insightful story told with sparkling wit and heart, young musicians protesting plans for budget cuts navigate miscalculations, indifferent adults, and unexpected loss as they discover the power of speaking out and the value of listening.
âA brave and dazzling debut, this timely novel is a blueprint for hope.ââKatherine Applegate, Newbery Medalist and best-selling author of The One and Only Ivan
âKeen and clear and fiercely funny.ââLinda Sue Park, Newbery Medalist and best-selling author of A Long Walk to Water
âBrilliant, sharp, comic, poignant, and true.ââ Gary D. Schmidt, two-time Newbery Honor-winning author of The Wednesday Wars
âA splendid novel filled with honesty and heart.ââKarina Yan Glaser, best-selling author of the Vanderbeekers series.
Fifth period is hands down the best time of day in Connor U. Eubanks Middle School, because thatâs when Mr. Lewis teaches Jazz Lab. So his students are devastated when their beloved teacher quits abruptly. Once they make a connection between budget cuts and Mr. Lewisâs disappearance, they hatch a plan: stop the cuts, save their class.
Soon, they become an unlikely band of crusaders, and their quest quickly snowballs into something much biggerâa movement involving the whole middle school. But the adults in charge seem determined to ignore their every protest. How can the kids make themselves heard?