Libby Bloom [Paperback]

Susan Rowan Masters (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Libby Bloom wishes she could be as smart and talented as her practically perfect sister. But Libby's only talent seems to be embarrassing herself. So she's horrified when, after causing a scene during chorus, she's switched to band class. Even worse, Mr. Cheney, the band teacher, assigns her to play the tuba-not exactly a low-profile instrument! Lessons with the perceptive Mr. Cheney, however, are about more than just music. Soon Libby learns that she can do something well-something that might even help save her school. Clumsy but determined, Libby Bloom is a character whose hilarious embarrassments, wishes, and triumphs readers will recognize all too well. Beata Szpura's funky illustrations add to the humor of the story of one unforgettable fourth-grader.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-4?After singing off-key and burping loudly, fourth grader Libby Bloom gets switched from chorus to band, where she's assigned to play the tuba. At first she's unenthusiastic, but the charming teacher, Mr. Cheney, motivates her. In the not-too-perfect ending, Libby flubs the first couple of songs in the holiday concert, but triumphs during the last piece. A subplot involves the girl's submission of a political cartoon to the local paper in an effort to prevent school budget cuts. Though the plot is fairly standard, Mr. Cheney and Libby's older sister have a touch of freshness. Whimsical black-and-white illustrations are included. A humorous beginning chapter book.?Jacqueline Rose, Lake Oswego Public Library, OR
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 2^-4. With a mixture of farce and affection, Masters tells the story of fourth-grader Libby Bloom, who embarrasses herself and fails and still carries on. Libby gets thrown out of chorus, not only for singing off-key, but also for burping during the star's solo. But when Libby is forced to play in the school band, she gets help from a sympathetic teacher, who encourages her to play the tuba and to make a difference in the school community. Libby practices hard, and, of course, the school concert is the climax of the story, but it's no formula success: even there, Libby fails and plays sour notes--and then goes on to play the last song perfectly. Beata Szpura's exuberant cartoon illustrations express the comedy without condescension. Hazel Rochman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (September 6, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595242251
• ISBN-13: 978-0595242252
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,047,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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