Children's Literature @ NYPL

Booktalking "Guitar Notes" by Mary Amato

guitar notes

Lyla and Tripp share a guitar room, but only one person is allowed in the room at a time. Two would be a scandal. So, Lyla uses the room on even days and is "Ms. Even;" Tripp is known as "Mr. Odd."

They pass notes to each other in a guitar case. They comment on each other's songs, performances and actions. Constructive criticism characterizes their treatment of musicality; they push each other forward. Tripp and Lyla dance around the guitar.

Annie and Lyla were best friends, but Annie is applying for admission to a select music school. If chosen, she could spend half of every day practicing music. Sounds like a dream to her.

Lyla and Tripp text each other and compose and sing songs to each other. They want their souls to thrum to the same beat.

I love the way that the songs and chat sessions are interspersed with the text.

Guitar Notes by Mary Amato, 2012