For as long as Tatum can remember it’s been:
Tatum + Lori = Best friends
They do everything together, including a yearly clarinet/flute duet for District Honor Band auditions. But when a new boy transfers to their middle school and their band, the equation suddenly changes to:
Lori + Michael - Tatum = One happy couple
Not only is Michael after Lori, but he wants Tatum’s spot in District Honor Band, too. Tatum, determined to stop him, enlists the help of her good friend, Aaron, but now he seems to believe her fib that they’re boyfriend and girlfriend. And her mom, to cope with a separation from her dad, is performing in community theater, of all things! Accepting change isn’t easy for Tatum, but just how much is she willing to give up to hold on to her friendship with Lori? For Tatum, the best way to move forward may require a whole new formula.
A heartwarming and hilarious story of how holding tight to what you have can keep you from reaching for your dreams–and how sometimes the best way to move forward is by going solo.
For ages 10-15.
A Bank Street College Best Children’s Book, 2013
The ultimate message-that we don’t always get everything we want, even after sacrifices and hard work-is a valuable one, presented subtly. Girls looking for a realistic story will enjoy this one, and even those without musical aspirations will identify with Tatum’s problems. – School Library Journal
Tatum confronts her predicaments with humor and growing maturity as she builds the confidence necessary to handle change. – Publishers Weekly
Tatum’s maturing recognition of her own self-worth and realistic outcomes–sadly not everything works out the way she would wish–make this a satisfying and believable read. – Kirkus
Audition and Subtraction is another Dominy book I can highly recommend. – Cindy Hudson, Mother-Daughter Book Club
