Where in the World

by Simon French

Book Overview

Ari is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary gift for music.

Since moving with his mother from Germany to Australia, Ari feels adrift--cut off from his familiar world, the people he loves most, even his music. For Ari, playing the violin was always the key to his memories of people and places and his connection to the world around him.

But even the music cannot help him now. How is he to find his footing in this new country, accept his new stepfather, and most difficult of all, leave behind his beloved grandfather?

Fearing that his musical talent might separate him from others, Ari tries to keep it hidden. After facing disappointment, confusion, and even the death of someone he loves, Ari realizes that music does have the power to heal him, and perhaps it can be his path to finding his place in the world.

Simon French's emotionally charged story of an adolescent boy trying to find his way in an unfamiliar place will resonate with readers, especially those who may occasionally feel out of step with the world around them.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561454435
• ISBN13: 9781561454433
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher

Customer Reviews

Music and Acceptance

I enjoyed this book a lot. The writing style is almost musical in places - which is quite appropriate, given one of the themes of the book, musicianship. It is a quiet book, in that there are no major conflicts that occur in the time of the book, but nevertheless it has plenty of substance. The relationships between all of the characters are very well drawn and you can feel respect they have for each other. I would love to spend an evening at the cafe, eating and listening to the music.