The High Note is the second book in the Girl vs Boyband series. I had previously read the first book. Lark is hanging out with Abbey Road - British Boyband that recently had a member replaced by Lark's crush from school. Mimi is a budding singer and songwriter, but has stage fright so the only way her songs make it out to the world is when Lark and her friend Mimi make videos for the song under a moniker on YouTube. Lark's Mom gets mad when a record label shows interest in Lark, since her Mom runs a record label as well - which is the one Abbey Road is signed on to. Abbey Road has taken off and they are being primed for fame and Lark may be finding some fame of her own as well. Meanwhile, she has a crush on Teddy and Max says that Teddy has a crush on her as well... The book ended a bit abruptly after Lark's first show - of course to set up the reader for the next book in the series!

I enjoy following the story of Lark (Girl) and Abbey Rd (Boyband) in this series. I am looking forward to more to see what happens now that Lark seems to be getting a career of her own!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

This is a worthy sequel to the first title. The main character begins to really develop and it's a fun frothy read.

I received a free copy of the book from Bloomsbury USA Children’s Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The High Note is a middle grade novel by Harmony Jones. It is the second book in the Girls Vs. Boy series but it can be read as a stand alone. Twelve year old Lark previously made her mark at the school’s talent show by singing an original song that she had written. Her friend Mimi uploads a video to YouTube of Lark singing, and from there, her life unexpectedly changes. A record executive sees the video and contacts Lark, saying that he is interested in signing her on his label. Lark’s mother, who actually runs her own record label, is furious at the thought of some hotshot producer taking her daughter away from her. Also, Lark’s old friends/up and coming boy band Abbey Road ask Lark to be their opening act. She has a love for music, but is so anxious about all that is happening to her. Can Lark handle her new fame? Or will she succumb to her stage fright and never allow herself to grow?

The High Note is a light and energetic novel that middle schoolers will rock out to. Although the plot overall is a little unrealistic, this is a fanfiction type of book that allows kids to dream big. The main character named Lark is a shy girl that most middle school girls can relate to; her voice is authentic and her attitude matures over the course of the novel. The band Abbey Road will make middle school girls swoon. One of its members named Teddy is a great friend to Lark and it was nice to see them lean upon each other throughout the novel. The budding romance between Teddy and Lark is cute, however, I do not believe a girl as young as twelve years old needs to be focused on relationships. But the novel ends on a note that focuses on the most important aspect of this book: the message that with the right amount of courage, you can do anything you set your mind to.

All in all, this book is an enjoyable read. Jones writes well; the pacing in this book is quick given the subject matter and you are never left feeling bored. I do think there are parts of the plot that dragged out a bit too much but otherwise, it is easy to become attached to this story. The tone in this novel is praise-worthy as it can easily resonate with young kids and understands their emotions. This is a good addition to the series; it completes the feelings given out in the first book and expands on the idea of growth during a time where change can seem scary. Basically, this book made me feel like a young teen again and put me in a mindset that helped me think about how I have grown, and made me think back to all of the things I wish I knew at that age. I suggest this book to young boys and girls who have a passion for music, and even to parents who wish to understand their kids. This book teaches you that it is okay to be afraid but that you should never let fear hold you back from reaching your dreams.

A fun read that picks up a bit after the first book dropped off. Tweens will enjoy reading more of Lark's lyrics and wishing that they were real.