Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heart- and music-filled tale of collaboration and Chopin.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
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 :
- Illustrator : Ziyue Chen
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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