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list price: $12.95
edition:Paperback
also available: eBook
category: Young Adult Fiction
published: Apr 2013
ISBN:9781459801974
publisher: Orca Book Publishers

Allegra

by Shelley Hrdlitschka

tagged: music, contemporary, dance
Description

Allegra thinks being at a performing-arts high school will change her life and make her a better dancer.

But high school is still high school, complete with cliques, competition and cruelty. Allegra's refuge comes in the form of a class she doesn't want to take—music theory, taught by a very young, very attractive male teacher. Soon all Allegra can think about is music composition—and Mr. Rochelli. But has she misunderstood his attention, or is he really her soul mate?

About the Author
Shelley Hrdlitschka has written many novels for teens, including Sister Wife, which was nominated for a Governor General's Literary Award. She lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, where she hikes, snowshoes and hangs out with grizzly bears at the Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife. For more information, visit www.shelleyhrdlitschka.ca.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
12 to 18
Grade:
8 to 12
Reading age:
12 to 18
Awards
  • Short-listed, YALSA Best Fiction for YA
  • Commended, CCBC Best Books
  • Commended, Resource Links "The Year's Best"
Editorial Reviews

"As an examination of mental health troubles, the book is a sophisticated and subtle anomaly in a genre that often places emphasis on the 'issues' first and characters second. Hrdlitschka's prose is clean and clear...Avoiding the one-dimensional depictions often foisted on older generations in YA, Allegra's mother and father are fully realized, flawed, and believable...You can't hear the music, but you can feel it in this fresh, engrossing story."

— Quill & Quire

"Hrdlitschka balances well the importance of family and friendship in a difficult situation...There is a lot going on in this story, and it does not end in a way readers might suspect—so much the better."

— Shells, Tales and Sails blog

"[An] absorbing exploration of contemporary teen life...Hrdlitschka (Sister Wife) realistically depicts teenage emotional turmoil as Allegra's growing obsession with Mr. Rocchelli combines with despair at her parents' separation and the ups and downs of her new friendships. The main characters' devotion to the arts enriches the drama."

— Publishers Weekly

"I ADORED the musical connection. I know exactly what that feels like. This is a wonderful book for the serious teenage musician."

— YALSA Teens' Top Ten Galley Review

"The musical creations...are described with loving detail but a light touch, appealing to both veteran musicians and neophytes, who will relish this opportunity to better appreciate the power of music. Allegra's artistic pursuits—and intense commitment—will resonate particularly with equally passionate teens, while her social anxiety and strained home life might be familiar, albeit painfully so, to a broader audience."

— School Library Journal

"Hrdlitschka takes a close look at the atmosphere of a performing arts academy and the pressures faced by students who are ambitious and anxious to excel...Allegra will appeal to young adult female readers who are interested in the performing arts...An interesting and enjoyable read."

— CM Magazine

"Hrdlitschka does an excellent job of illustrating the subtle, gradual and easily understandable shift in [the] relationship [between Allegra and her teacher]...Allegra's vulnerability and need to connect with somebody make her a sympathetic character, whom readers will like...A story of transformation."

— Canadian Children's Book News

"Readers will enjoy the exploration of topics such as friendship, dating, divorce, music, anxiety disorders and high school culture. Shelley Hrdlitschka has once again put a very human face on an issue which has made sensational headlines...A powerful novel which addresses the complex issue of controversial teacher-student relationships in a sensitive and thoughtful manner."

— Resource Links

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