This is the perfect read for middle schoolers about grief/trauma! Lucy is a very loveable character whose father is an alcoholic. She loves music and her struggling parents, while dealing with their own troubles, try to support her. Definitely recommend.

Band Nerd is a middle grade novel perfect for younger audience exploring themes of grief, friendship and trauma. When middle schooler Lucy gets accepted into an exclusive arts school, she needs to manage getting good grades, friendships, family life, and most importantly, getting first chair flute in band. But when things get tricky with both her dad's alcoholism and her friend group, Lucy needs to figure out how she will get through 7th grade.

I think this graphic novel for middle schooler covers difficult topics such as alcoholism, divorce, and rivalry in a way that is both appropriate for and able to be understood by middle schoolers. Lucy's parents are struggling with their own issues, and Lucy needs to find a way to support her dreams while navigating a tricky home and school life. It shows that adults don't always do the right thing, but also that there are always those willing to help in the form of friends, teachers, and counselors. It also shows how healing the arts can be, as that is the one stable thing in Lucy's life. This book would be great for those going through a hard time, as is often the case in middle school.

The artwork was very bright and cute and would definitely appeal to the target audience. I felt like the story flew by and was completely engaged the entire time. I highly recommend this story for the middle grade audience!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.