Duet

When I read the summary of this book by Elise Broach, I recognized its similarities to her Masterpiece and I thought they would be so similar that I would not like this one.  I was mistaken. This was a lovely story about a boy named Michael, his piano teacher, and a bird named Mirabelle.  Told from Mirabelle's perspective, we learn that Michael is reluctant to prepare for a big piano competition with his new teacher until she sings with him one day.  She then becomes integral to his practices.  When they find out that his teacher's sister has a house full of treasures - including a possible rare piano, they set out to ensure Michael plays on it to prepare.  But that becomes impossible when the bank takes over the house and its contents.  When Michael's teacher becomes ill, Mirabelle has to make a difficult choice to help him over Michael.  This is a great addition to the Great Stone Face list for 2023-2024.  (FIC BRO)