This story is about Gusta, a girl who is sent to live with her grandmother in the orphan home she runs in pre WWII times. She tries to fit in, yet stay unique in her own way which includes playing her french horn. She forms a band with a few other girls and hope to win a ribbon at the local fair. This story is about love and family and how prejudice is sometimes disguised.

The book was an easy read and the writing was exceptional. I will read more of what this author writes for sure!

Gusta finds herself sent away from N.Y. City in the early years of WWII to live in the orphan home run by her grandmother. A near sighted, skinny 5th grader, Augusta is looking to fit in and not stand out. But she finds this difficult. Her beautiful French horn playing gives her a unique voice as she tries to help her family. The story is a loving tribute on the author's mom, and the truth behind the fictionalized story adds to it.