Funny Heart Warmining Middle Grade Fiction 2018

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· 202 ratings · 35 reviews

Start your review of I Heart Band (I Heart Band #1)

Feb 23, 2013 Meredith rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. SO MUCH. The main character, Holly, is charming and hilarious and so relatable. And the book itself captures what it's like to be in middle school perfectly. I'll be looking out for all of the titles in this series, and this is going to be one that I recommend to everyone I know with kids. :) I loved this book. SO MUCH. The main character, Holly, is charming and hilarious and so relatable. And the book itself captures what it's like to be in middle school perfectly. I'll be looking out for all of the titles in this series, and this is going to be one that I recommend to everyone I know with kids. :) ...more

Apr 06, 2014 Emily rated it liked it

Regionals and chair tests and Solo & Ensemble, oh my! I tore through I Heart Band and its sequel in one morning, & they did a pretty good job of sending me back to 7th grade band life. I was thrilled that the protagonist, Holly, was not a flute or clarinet player, but a horn player--yay, ladies of brass--and waited with bated breath for what I hoped would be an inevitable spit valve-related scene (it happens! Holly intentionally empties her spit valve onto the 1st chair hornplayer's cute shoes). Regionals and chair tests and Solo & Ensemble, oh my! I tore through I Heart Band and its sequel in one morning, & they did a pretty good job of sending me back to 7th grade band life. I was thrilled that the protagonist, Holly, was not a flute or clarinet player, but a horn player--yay, ladies of brass--and waited with bated breath for what I hoped would be an inevitable spit valve-related scene (it happens! Holly intentionally empties her spit valve onto the 1st chair hornplayer's cute shoes). I Heart Band is a predictable (but not in an awful way--more in a way that keeps one reading the way a predictable TV show keeps one watching) story of crushes, two's-company-three's-a-crowd problems, 7th grade growing pains, and pep band solos. Big bonus points to Schusterman for the hilariously spot-on titles of band songs ("Labyrinthine Dances"! "Galactic March"!) and for sentences like (from the second book) "Maybe there was a way to fix things with Owen and help the brass section win the fundraiser." ...more

I waffled back and forth between 3 and 4 stars and decided, what the heck, I'll give it to the kids. I have found that my rating criteria gets more and more picky the more books I read. Kids don't care as much about the writing quality as they do about the plot. This is one upper elementary girls will love because they've all been through it. You return to school after summer vacation to find that your bestie has a new friend. The jealously indicator is off the charts. You think the new girl is I waffled back and forth between 3 and 4 stars and decided, what the heck, I'll give it to the kids. I have found that my rating criteria gets more and more picky the more books I read. Kids don't care as much about the writing quality as they do about the plot. This is one upper elementary girls will love because they've all been through it. You return to school after summer vacation to find that your bestie has a new friend. The jealously indicator is off the charts. You think the new girl is a self-centered, conniving you-know-what, but no one else sees it. That's when everyone hands you a mirror.

Throw in a few instruments, especially the french horn, and a fight for first chair. Then add a little boy drama and some hard classes and you've got the life of just about every tween girl you know. The characters are in 7th grade, but it a series for younger girls.

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When I saw this book series existed, I just had to pick it up. Schusterman is a former band director and has written a series about what it's like to be a band geek in middle school. Holly Mead, our protagonist, is a french horn player who is obsessed with band and doesn't know how to be a good friend. Wow. This is basically my middle school years. While it was painful to read this book in many ways (it reminded me of a lot of uncomfortable middle school moments), it is also refreshing to see my When I saw this book series existed, I just had to pick it up. Schusterman is a former band director and has written a series about what it's like to be a band geek in middle school. Holly Mead, our protagonist, is a french horn player who is obsessed with band and doesn't know how to be a good friend. Wow. This is basically my middle school years. While it was painful to read this book in many ways (it reminded me of a lot of uncomfortable middle school moments), it is also refreshing to see my own experiences so clearly articulated. I'll definitely be continuing this series. ...more

Jul 28, 2018 Casey rated it it was amazing

As a former middle school band geek myself, I thought this book was great. It was also a really nice story about the drama of tween friendship, and reminded me a lot of precisely the kind of drama I had in middle school. (Including, I kid you not - the crush I had on a french horn player named Aaron. This book deserves 5 stars just for that.)

This was such a cute children's fiction chapter book about friendship, middle school and growing up. The lessons they learn and situations they find themselves in are so relatable and endearing. I'm so glad some of our library patrons recommended this one to me! This was such a cute children's fiction chapter book about friendship, middle school and growing up. The lessons they learn and situations they find themselves in are so relatable and endearing. I'm so glad some of our library patrons recommended this one to me! ...more

B-. fiction, teen, Middle grade, relationships, music, series, (I Heart Band #1). Crushes (Nothing objectionable), just not much to the book

Oct 06, 2014 Angie rated it liked it

Holly is looking forward to going back to school and seeing her best friend Julia. Her first day does not go as planned however. First her brother spills orange juice all over her first-day outfit and new backpack so she has to use an old batman one. Then Julia has made a new friend at band camp and Natasha is not someone Holly wants to be friends with. Natasha and Julia have all kinds of inside stories about band camp that makes Holly feel left out and jealous. Natasha also plays french horn in Holly is looking forward to going back to school and seeing her best friend Julia. Her first day does not go as planned however. First her brother spills orange juice all over her first-day outfit and new backpack so she has to use an old batman one. Then Julia has made a new friend at band camp and Natasha is not someone Holly wants to be friends with. Natasha and Julia have all kinds of inside stories about band camp that makes Holly feel left out and jealous. Natasha also plays french horn in band just like Holly does and she is better! Seventh grade is hard enough without having to deal with all of this extra drama.

I actually dreaded reading this book because of the title. I think I Heart Band is going to turn off kids who would actually enjoy this one. It is a completely realistic look at what happens when a new friend is introduced into the mix, when you start thinking about boys as more than friends, when you move up in school and the classes are so much harder. I remember a lot of these emotions and situations Holly experiences from my own experiences in middle school. You cringe a bit but can also laugh because you survived. However, as much as I would have enjoyed this story as a kid I would probably have never picked it up because of the title. I wasn't in band and would have been completely turned off by the fact that it is mentioned in the title. I would have thought it was all about band instead of a decent story about surviving middle school.

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I did an interview with the author HERE!

For a long, long time, probably ever since I was in band years and years ago, I have wanted to read a book about band. About kids who eat, drink, and breathe band. Michelle Schusterman has written the book I so badly wanted to read.

Holly Meade is a wonderfully relatable main character. A perfectionist, she clashes with her BFF's new BFF, is completely embarrassed by how difficult she finds 7th grade science, and has a crush on (of COURSE) a cute, trumpet-p

I did an interview with the author HERE!

I loved every character, I loved every scene. It brought back all the best memories of band, memories of messing up solos, emptying spit valves, and crushing on a cute trumpet player. (Yes, I fell into that trap as well.) Oh, but can I just say, that even though I loved all the characters, I love OWEN just a tiny bit more than everyone else? Owen, who plays French horn, video games, and a clever expy of Magic: The Gathering.

I am SO looking forward to buying every book in this series and reliving my band glory days all over again!

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Dec 22, 2013 Jen Malone rated it it was amazing

This one time, in band camp… Holly's best friend came home with a new BFF and, man, does she push every one of a jealous Holly's buttons. Except is Natasha really so annoying? Or is it more that Holly is oblivious to the fact that some of the "flaws" Natasha has are the very same traits Holly herself exhibits?

I love, love, loved the fun voice in this story- Holly brought me right back to seventh grade and the pains of constantly shifting friendship "alliances". My writer brain completely appreci

I love, love, loved the fun voice in this story- Holly brought me right back to seventh grade and the pains of constantly shifting friendship "alliances". My writer brain completely appreciates what a masterful job Michelle did in keeping Holly likable and relatable when Holly's character traits could send her very much in the other direction. That's SO HARD TO DO! I loved Holly's journey to self-awareness and can't wait for more in this series.

I was never a band geek myself (although take away the "band" from that statement…) but I Heart Band makes me wonder if I missed out!!

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Jan 18, 2015 Safiyah rated it it was amazing

Holly Mead's first day of seventh grade isn't going as planned. Her troll of a brother(her words not mine) ruins her outfit, she's nearly late, and her new band director has some surprisingly strict rules. And worst of all, it seems like her best friend, Julia, has replaced Holly with Natasha, the new French horn player.

Holly is a perfectionist and very competitive. So she gets really mad when her best friend starts hanging out with Natasha. Her life's getting really stressed out with chair test

Holly is a perfectionist and very competitive. So she gets really mad when her best friend starts hanging out with Natasha. Her life's getting really stressed out with chair tests, science tests, and best friend troubles. It was great. For some, reason Owen is my favorite character. Then Holly and than Gabby, and than Julia, and lastly Natasha. And i don't think Owen's a nerd and I wish I could draw. And Holly should listen to her friends and mom more often.

You can read this review and others like it at my blog. You can also find random stuff and other things related to reading. Here's the link: http://fiyahscorner.blogspot.com/

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Mar 04, 2013 Mary Summer rated it it was amazing

I HEART BAND is a delight to read, especially for anyone who fondly remembers being in band, being a perfectionist, or being a middle-school kid just trying to navigate the murky waters of friendship. What I HEART BAND excels at is keeping the MC, Holly, totally true to herself, undeniably flawed, and thoroughly sympathetic. Even when Holly makes questionable decisions, I totally understand where she's coming from, and honestly, I probably would have done the same thing in her place. To me, this I HEART BAND is a delight to read, especially for anyone who fondly remembers being in band, being a perfectionist, or being a middle-school kid just trying to navigate the murky waters of friendship. What I HEART BAND excels at is keeping the MC, Holly, totally true to herself, undeniably flawed, and thoroughly sympathetic. Even when Holly makes questionable decisions, I totally understand where she's coming from, and honestly, I probably would have done the same thing in her place. To me, this says that the author really gets the middle-school age mindset, that she truly understands and loves these kids. It comes through in the writing, and kid readers will instantly pick up on her being a kindred spirit. They'll love and see themselves in these characters. My middle-school self certainly did. ...more

Nov 14, 2014 Lisa rated it it was amazing

7th grader Holly has been practicing her French Horn all summer to be ready for 8th grade advanced band class. But her best friend Julia went to band camp this summer and has made a new friend, Natasha, who also plays the French Horn. It's not enough that she's stolen her friend, but now Natasha is first chair. What promised to be an exciting year is turning out terribly and its all Natasha's fault.

This new series is full of teen drama, but is a great clean teen read. The author is apparently a

This new series is full of teen drama, but is a great clean teen read. The author is apparently a band geek, it shows and is appreciated. The first in a series (so far there are 4) available in paperback only, this would also make a fun stocking stuffer or birthday gift.

Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com CHECK IT OUT!

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Sep 02, 2013 L. Chase rated it it was amazing

This book is so clef-er (get it? Or did this bit of band humor fall a bit flat? Ba-dum-dum)! Anyway, I LOVE THIS BOOK! Holly has such a fantastic voice!! She is so hilariously sarcastic; her narrative makes me laugh on every page! The story itself rings so authentically true to how middle school really is and how friends/frenemies interact. I really love the resolution of this story and how Holly grows as a person, and I cannot wait for the next installment to see how her growth will play out in This book is so clef-er (get it? Or did this bit of band humor fall a bit flat? Ba-dum-dum)! Anyway, I LOVE THIS BOOK! Holly has such a fantastic voice!! She is so hilariously sarcastic; her narrative makes me laugh on every page! The story itself rings so authentically true to how middle school really is and how friends/frenemies interact. I really love the resolution of this story and how Holly grows as a person, and I cannot wait for the next installment to see how her growth will play out in books to come! For those who love middle grade, band shenanigans, first crushes, and friendship stories, I wholeheartedly recommend I HEART BAND! ...more

Nov 02, 2013 Kristen rated it it was amazing

Like many other reviewers, I too was a band nerd, from middle school all the way to college. I am still a band nerd and always will be! I heart Band was a breath of fresh air. The characters are all very relatable, as well as the situations they are facing. I laughed the whole time, not only because the book is funny, but because of how important everything is to the characters! These were the same things that were oh so important to myself when I was in middle school. Michelle Schusterman did a Like many other reviewers, I too was a band nerd, from middle school all the way to college. I am still a band nerd and always will be! I heart Band was a breath of fresh air. The characters are all very relatable, as well as the situations they are facing. I laughed the whole time, not only because the book is funny, but because of how important everything is to the characters! These were the same things that were oh so important to myself when I was in middle school. Michelle Schusterman did a great job of capturing the importance of everything in the world of a middle school band nerd without making the book unbearable to read, and I look forward to reading the next one! ...more

If you've ever been a band geek, you will LOVE this book. If you're a color-coding, obsessive clothes coordinating, schedule setting perfectionist (like me), you will LOVE this book. If you've ever been in middle school, you will not only LOVE this book, you will feel like you're back there. Schusterman nails every note and nuance in this three's-a-crowd tale about friendship, learning to be flexible, and seeing things from someone else's point of view. I especially loved the main character's re If you've ever been a band geek, you will LOVE this book. If you're a color-coding, obsessive clothes coordinating, schedule setting perfectionist (like me), you will LOVE this book. If you've ever been in middle school, you will not only LOVE this book, you will feel like you're back there. Schusterman nails every note and nuance in this three's-a-crowd tale about friendship, learning to be flexible, and seeing things from someone else's point of view. I especially loved the main character's relationship with her mother. The voice is spot on, and the characters are real and endearing. In a word (or two): DEJA VU! ...more

Feb 24, 2014 Rachael Allen rated it it was amazing

An adorable, funny, heart-warming MG read with pitch perfect voice! I loved Holly - she's hilarious and awesome (and stellar)! The relationships with her mom and older brother were really well done. And the friendships, oh the friendships. This book captures what it's like to deal with the ups and downs of middle school girlfriend-ships like nothing else. Loved Julia and Natasha and Gabby. And I am positively swooning over Owen and his study cards (#TeamOwen). I wasn't in band, but I really love An adorable, funny, heart-warming MG read with pitch perfect voice! I loved Holly - she's hilarious and awesome (and stellar)! The relationships with her mom and older brother were really well done. And the friendships, oh the friendships. This book captures what it's like to deal with the ups and downs of middle school girlfriend-ships like nothing else. Loved Julia and Natasha and Gabby. And I am positively swooning over Owen and his study cards (#TeamOwen). I wasn't in band, but I really loved the glimpse into the band world (just so people know being in band isn't a requirement for enjoying this book!).

I can't wait to read book 2!!

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Posted on behalf of Book Tasters Aahana:

I really liked this book because, it's trying to, in my eyes, symbolize new beginnings. This is because, Holly is just starting 7th grade, and truthfully, so far, it's awful. First her brother totally ruins her outfit and backpack. Then, when she gets to school, might I add, with a Batman backpack, she sees her best friend giggling and whispering with someone else! What is happening?!?!

I would say that this book is mostly for girls who like reading about t

Posted on behalf of Book Tasters Aahana:

I would say that this book is mostly for girls who like reading about true friendship, middle school problems, and girls that just get in the way.

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Mar 01, 2013 Vivi Barnes rated it it was amazing

This story is so amazing! And not that I really want to go back to middle school (ugh), but this book reminds me of all the GREAT things about that age: band, friends, and fun! The voice in the story is fantastic. Holly is a character and I just adored her! Trust me - you'll love this book from page one. This story is so amazing! And not that I really want to go back to middle school (ugh), but this book reminds me of all the GREAT things about that age: band, friends, and fun! The voice in the story is fantastic. Holly is a character and I just adored her! Trust me - you'll love this book from page one. ...more

Mar 02, 2013 Jaye rated it it was amazing

An adorable MG novel that zapped me right back to middle school angst, insecurity, friendship, foes, and forgiveness all set under the umbrella of the band room. I particularly loved Holly and her mom's relationship and her growing friendship with gamer/band geek Owen. Because Batman backpacks ARE cool.

Buy this for the early tween in your life!

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Jul 05, 2013 Tara rated it it was amazing

What a sweet, adorable debut from Michelle Shusterman! It felt so emotionally true to the realities of middle school...and while I was not a musician myself at that age, I appreciated the characters' love of music and the level of detail devoted to their band experience. This is a great new series for MG readers. What a sweet, adorable debut from Michelle Shusterman! It felt so emotionally true to the realities of middle school...and while I was not a musician myself at that age, I appreciated the characters' love of music and the level of detail devoted to their band experience. This is a great new series for MG readers. ...more

Jan 28, 2014 Mara rated it it was amazing

Fun, fast-paced, realistic and sweet middle grade novel about Holly, who is starting seventh grade. Despite her plans for a perfect year, everything goes wrong. Her confusion and jealousy were authentic, her problems relatable. And the book cover is glittery! Perfect book for your favorite band kid.

Jul 27, 2016 Madelyn rated it really liked it

This book is a mix between realistic fiction,school,and friendship.It book does include boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. The author Michelle Schusterman does a great job of describing the Characters feelings. The target audience is Middle School kids/Early High School. This book has a lot of drama. I Heart Band book is especially great for anyone in band.

Aug 02, 2014 Carrie rated it it was amazing

I Heart This Book! Holly is a seventh grader who goes through friendship jealousy, boy crushes, sibling rivalry, angst about grades, etc. This is a great piece of realistic fiction for the middle school reader who still wants to read content that is still a bit innocent.

Sep 07, 2012 Kaitlin Ward rated it it was amazing

I ADORE this series. I so, so wish it had existed when I was in middle school.

Jan 23, 2014 Mrs. Garza rated it it was amazing

Super cute middle school book about friendship, studying for good grades, crushes on boys and viewing life from a different perspective.

Cute junior book about a girl adjusting to middle school

I heart this book!!You would love this book if you read Dork Diaries, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid or Mackenzie Blue.

Michelle Schusterman is the alleged author of less than one hundred books for kids and teens, most of which are not published under a secret pseudonym, and all of which include various characters. She lives on a steamboat with her pet crawfish, unless she's lying, in which case she lives among the spiders beneath the stage at the Metropolitan Opera, unless that's another lie, in which case she liv Michelle Schusterman is the alleged author of less than one hundred books for kids and teens, most of which are not published under a secret pseudonym, and all of which include various characters. She lives on a steamboat with her pet crawfish, unless she's lying, in which case she lives among the spiders beneath the stage at the Metropolitan Opera, unless that's another lie, in which case she lives in an apartment in Queens with her chocolate lab, who can talk. ...more

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