The Sweetest Sound

Winston, Sherri. The Sweetest Sound
January 3rd 2017 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
E ARC from Edelweiss Above the Treeline 

Cadence Jolly has a very supportive father and community, which is important since her mother left to pursue a singing career and has not been in touch very often. Cadence also likes to sings, and does it well, but is wary of performing in public, unlike her friend who wants to be an internet sensation. When Cadence videotapes herself singing and uploads it, she thinks that only one person will see it, but the video goes viral. Not wanting to take credit, she allows her friend to claim to be the one in the video, but eventually the truth comes out. 
Strengths: I liked that Cadence had a good support network, but also found it interesting that she was tired of being singled out as being "the girl without the mother". It was also interesting to see a strong church family depicted. 
Weaknesses: My older students have little patience with a character who is so shy and unsure of herself. Even if the students are that way themselves, they want to read about characters who are bold and do a lot, and want a lot more action. 
What I really think: A good purchase for elementary schools, and okay for middle schools where there is a lot of interest in singing.