The Piano at the Station

Lacey Layton exasperates her teachers. There is no doubt that she is clever, but she struggles to control her tongue and actually prefers the isolation room to lessons. As she puts it, 'family's more important, and having a laugh, than algebra'. When she is sent to lunch-time music lessons to keep her out of trouble, she discovers that playing the piano absorbs her in a new feeling of peace and happiness.

It looks as though a new path might be opening up for her but she dare not admit it to the rest of her family. Being a Lacey means being cheeky and funny and getting in trouble, and definitely not giving herself airs and playing the piano. When her music teacher has to leave at the end of term, Lacey seems all set to use the holidays to return to her self-destructive habits, until she discovers a piano at the station. Could it be enough to save her from herself - and what if this too is taken away?

This short but poignant book gently unpacks a story behind disruptive behaviour and encourages the reader to reflect on how hard it can be to escape a cycle of misdirected talent. An excellent new addition to the Barrington Stoke range, it is simply and accessibly written and illustrated but still addresses complex themes of the importance of belonging and what it means to be true to yourself. It's a perfect high interest, low threat read for upper primary and lower secondary school students.

104 pages / Reviewed by Louisa Farrow, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 9+