A middle-grade coming-of-age novel that follows twelve-year-old Lucy Carver as she starts seventh grade at Windley School of the Arts. While adjusting to the school's high academic and artistic expectations, Lucy also navigates personal challenges at home, including her father's alcoholism. She channels her energy into music, aiming to secure the top flute soloist spot, but faces setbacks when an accident affects her ability to play and her academic performance declines. As tensions rise, Lucy must decide whether to pursue her goals ethically or compromise her values. The story explores themes of resilience, family, and personal growth.

Perfect for fans of Roller Girl and New Kid comes a heartfelt coming-of-age story about music, family, and friendship, wherein twelve-year-old Lucy Carver must navigate life as a band nerd in a new school, all while competing for a top flute soloist spot. But for Lucy, facing the music means dealing with the problems at home. Middle school is tough--thank goodness there's band. For twelve-year-old Lucy Carver, music isn't just a way of life, it's an escape from homework and an off-key homelife with her alcoholic father. When Lucy starts seventh grade at Windley School of the Arts, with its high academic standards and even higher artistic expectations, it becomes much harder to keep life in tune. Determined to be the conductor of her own life, Lucy focuses all her energy on beating snobby Tolli Claybourne for first chair flute. As things spiral out of control with her parents and her schoolwork, Lucy grows desperate for a win. Just when she thinks she's hitting all the right notes, an accident leaves her unable to play, and her mother threatens to withdraw her for poor grades. Now, Lucy must choose: sabotage Tolli or give up on her dream. Packed with heart, Band Nerd is a poignant coming-of-age story about resilience, family, and using your voice to find harmony even during life's most discordant moments.