Ok, I'll admit I was drawn to this cover design. I knew in my head the earmuff wouldn't be fluffy when I ordered the book, but in my heart, I hoped it would be. Sigh...a little disappointed, but not disappointed in the book at all!
Amelia and her father are extremely sensitive to sounds, especially loud sounds. Amelia has grown up wearing noise canceling headphones. Now that she is about to start fifth grade, it's been suggested that she try not wearing the headphones. Because her father understands how difficult this is going to be, he gives her a gift the day before school starts. Even though her mother objects, her father gives her earmuffs. They are purple and fuzzy and hopefully just what Amelia needs.
The earmuffs do help some, but they aren't like the headphones. Amelia is managing to focus despite the classroom noise until she is told she must take a music class this year. The choices are singing in the choir or learning to play the flute or trumpet or trombone. She decides choir is the best option; that is until the first day. Singing is not for Amelia. Since her old best friend picked flute, Amelia switches to that. Not only does the high-pitched noise bothers her, but she is also frustrated that her former friend and another girl poke fun at her efforts.
When Amelia promises that trombone will be her last and final choice, she discovers a new friend and possibly an instrument she can tolerate. School starts to improve, but Amelia is discovering that friendship is definitely a give and take operation that may prove more difficult than figuring out how to play the trombone.
MUFFLED by Jennifer Gennari explores a condition many don't know about. Readers will soon relate to Amelia's struggle and cheer for her when things go well. Perfect for readers 4th grade and up.
No comments:
Post a Comment