Duet
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Duet, by Masterpiece author Elise Broach, is a tale of the friendship and musical collaboration between Michael, a tween piano prodigy, and Mirabelle, the narrator, who's a bird. Mirabelle is a goldfinch and determined to be a fabulous singer -- in spite of the fact that only boy goldfinches are supposed to be great singers. The story takes a deep dive into the life and work of composer Frederic Chopin, whose piano pieces Michael is practicing for an upcoming competition. Readers also learn much about the lives and habits of birds, especially goldfinches. There's a mystery, as kids and adults seek a long-lost piano played by Chopin himself, and a look back at the friendship of three 19th century artists -- Chopin, writer George Sand (a woman), and painter Eugene Delacroix -- and how they inspired one another's work. Classical music, concerts, and competitions play a large role in the story. Mirabelle and her brothers deal with the life-changing arrival of new siblings -- and gradually decide they're pretty great. Along the way, there's a lot of musing about the relationship of talent, passion, and hard work -- and ecstatic moments of collaboration.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
DUET finds Michael, a tween piano prodigy, preparing for a competition, and Mirabelle, a goldfinch and the narrator, determined to prove herself as a singer. Their life-changing friendship begins when Michael is practicing a Chopin piece and Mirabelle just can't keep from singing along -- and the music that results is bigger and better than both of them. As weeks pass and Michael works under the guidance of Mr. Starek, a renowned piano teacher who, like Chopin, came from Poland, and Emily, his longtime piano instructor who once studied with Mr. Starek herself, he learns a lot about the life, work, and friendships of the composer -- and that a long-lost piano played by Chopin himself may be waiting to be found and played.
Is It Any Good?
Elise Broach's tale of a tween prodigy, a goldfinch, a wise teacher, and their quest for Chopin's long-lost piano celebrates friendship, perseverance, determination, hard work, and moments of joyous inspiration. Ziyue Chen's plentiful, lively illustrations add lots of appeal. There's a deep dive into classical music, from the composer's life and times to the difficulties of playing some of his works, and the rigorous intensity of piano competitions. As Mirabelle and Michael play their first Duet, "The singing and the music weave and braid, and they become something else entirely, a third thing filling the air between us."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Duet, about classical music and the people who compose and interpret it. What other stories do you know about composers and musicians? Do you have any favorites?
Do you like reading about music, or would you rather just listen to it? Or play it? What styles do you like best?
Did learning about the lives of Chopin and his friends make you want to find out more about their art -- music, stories, and paintings? Do you like to know about an artist, or would you rather just look at their work?
Book Details
- Author: Elise Broach
- Illustrator: Ziyue Chen
- Genre: Friendship
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Empathy, Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books
- Publication date: May 10, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 304
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 29, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart
Unusual biography about Mozart's talented sister.
-
Music Blocks
Bite-sized episodes explore how music conveys emotions.
-
Legends, Icons & Rebels: Music That Changed the World
Wonderful intro to 27 musicians and their unique styles.
For kids who love music and art
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate