Tempo Change
by Barbara Hall

    TEMPO CHANGE by Barbara Hall
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  6/9/09
    Publisher:  Delacorte
    Reviewed by:  LadyJay
    Rating:  5 Stars


    "There was so much to say……Now I had someone to say it to."

    Blanche Kelly knows good music.  She knows music because of her father, Duncan Kelly.  He was a musical
    genius, in his prime.  

    But most of the people at Laurel Hall Academy (fondly referred to as LaHa by its students) don’t know this detail
    of her life.  She tries to keep his influence hidden, but it’s always there - the guitar he left with her mother; the
    music column that she writes for the school newspaper; the snippets of lyrics that Blanche begins to pen.  

    It all culminates with the creation of The Fringers, an all-female rock band, sprung from the mind of Blanche
    Kelly herself.  Blanche does not necessarily want to start a band, but her over-bearing guidance counselor feels
    that it would be best if Blanche “stretch” herself artistically.  So, The Fringers are born, and a journey begins.  

    Blanche learns much about herself as a musician, as a daughter, and as a person.  Her journey is surreal, yet
    surprising and profound.

    TEMPO CHANGE is an excellent novel.  It reminded me a lot of the film Almost Famous.  William Miller and
    Blanche Kelly are very similar characters.  Both are thrust into the music industry and must find their way without
    losing any integrity.  Even if you are not familiar with Almost Famous, the book still resonates.  

    If you are passionate about something, anything, read this.