When Hayley's third-grade teacher announces an upcoming talent show, Hayley is dismayed to realize she doesn't have any show-worthy talents. But then she discovers an old ukulele at a garage sale. With the help of a few mentors -- and a lot of practice -- Hayley becomes very good at her instrument. So good, in fact, that she spearheads a ukulele club for her classmates. But the school budget has fallen short, and the entire music program may be at risk. Hayley and her uke-playing friends will have to work hard to save the music.
Hayley is a fun, spunky character. Her kindness, determination, and creativity are admirable, and she's easy to root for. The voice is pretty adult at times, with many phrases and thoughts a third-grader would be unlikely to use, and the ending is a little too pat, leaving me to wonder which programs would get cut if the district saved music. Still, kids will likely have fun following Hayley's journey, and it could be a wonderful inspiration for music-lovers everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if it even spurred a few ukulele players among its readers.
EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn
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