Way fun!! Great social media message as well. Perfect for middle grade readers. A sweet and spooky graphic novel that will be a hit with readers.

When Margot finds a discarded synthesizer with a sign that says “Free Piano (not haunted)," she thinks it’s the solution to her problems. This is the thing that will turn her into a serious songwriter with a dedicated fan base! No more ukulele music (that people in her comment sections always seem to make fun of). She’ll definitely be taken seriously as a songwriter now. At least, she will be as soon as she learns to play the thing!
Margot hopes her absentee musician Dad will teach her how to play, and this will finally be the thing that ensures he’ll make time for her. Instead, he moves to LA to follow his musician dreams. Now Margot is more determined than ever to learn to play piano, get 1 million followers, and finally be “worthy" of Dad‘s attention.
But the “not haunted" piano is definitely haunted. By a popstar icon from 1979, who knows from experience that fame isn’t the same as being loved and accepted. Margot won’t find the connection she craves by changing herself, no matter how many followers she acquires. And she can’t force her dad to pay attention to her (as rotten as that may be). The best thing that she can do for herself is to be true to who she is. Ukulele and all! The people that truly matter will show up for you--not the act you put on.
This book has such a great message! The illustrations are fun, and the little details in the background of each frame really help to bring the story to life. This book is perfect for fans of the show Julie and the Phantoms, and for anyone struggling to see their own intrinsic value.

Whitney Gardner delivers another standout graphic novel that speaks directly to middle-grade readers about the value of staying true to yourself, rather than getting caught up in appearances and how others perceive you. It’s a heartfelt, fun-filled romp with just the right touch of 1970s and 1980s pop culture nostalgia. Perfect for fans of Julie and the Phantoms.

This was a fun creepy graphic novel ghost story with some great references to a 1980s Tiffany lookalike, and a spooky haunted synth machine. I loved the story, loved the wordplay that the ghost had to figure out "followers? Are you in a cult?" and the friends and family who came together. This was an emotional story of parents who aren't always able to show up, but when we need them, the authentic people in your life will show up for you.

I know this will be a hit with my 12-year-old niece, and recommend it for schools and libraries.

This was such a sweet and spooky story. I loved the mix of music, ghosts, and growing up. Margot’s journey felt real, and her friendship with Vision was my favorite part—funny, sad, and full of heart. The art was great too and really added to the mood. It’s a story about chasing dreams, but also about figuring out what really matters. I’d definitely recommend it to fans of emotional, character-driven graphic novels.

A MG coming-of-age graphic novel about the price of fame.
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Margot is lonely. Her dad keeps blowing her off and her mom is always working. Her two best friends have their own Sons of Smash social media that often leaves her feeling like a third wheel. When Margot finds an abandoned synthesizer that says it’s free (and not at all haunted), she takes it home with the hopes of learning to play so she can follow her dad to California and be famous. Turns out the piano is haunted by former 80s pop star, Vision, and her evil manager, Marty. Vision tries to protect Margot as she becomes more obsessed with social media followers and the idea of being famous instead of playing for the love of it.
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If you’ve read Long Distance or Fake Blood by WG you know she writes the weirdest & coolest graphic novels around. The title and cover of this one immediately had me invested: Free Piano (Not Haunted)?! I mean, come on. With her signature art style that I’ve come to recognize in Gardner’s books this is another home run hit that focuses on finding something you love and doing it for you, not followers or fame. This title releases July 1!

CW: parental abandonment, isolation, cyberbullying

A haunted synthesizer attempts to possess a child seeking tick tok fame, who is saved by the ghost of the synthesizer's deceased first owner. Illustrations are well done and the story progresses at a good clip. It's.a bit frightening to think there are people who truly mistake likes and fame for value and importance.