Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Practicing The Piano: But She Does Love Being In Recitals Book

Moxy’s back, and ready (kind of, sort of) for her big piano recital!

In this hilarious third installment about everyone’s favorite ’tween procrastinator, Moxy Maxwell is set to make her Piano Debut, playing a duet of “Heart and Soul” with her little sister, Pansy. It’s too bad she has no time to practice. Between costume fittings, trying on her crown, warming up her voice, and putting on her stage makeup, Moxy can’t possibly worry about the actual performance. But soon it’s upon her, and Moxy feels something she’s only felt once before in her entire life: nervous! She’s not sure she can go on. Of course, Moxy is Moxy and she rises to the occasion brilliantly.

Children's Literature

Tonight is Moxy Maxwell's big night! She will be making her piano debut at the very professional and elegant Palace Theater. (And not because of her talent—it is because the owner of the theater is Moxy's mother's friend.) Moxy is scheduled to play a duet with her younger sister. On the day of the recital, her mother returns from Africa to find a note from Moxy's piano teacher, Ms. Killingher. Ms. Killingher is worried about Moxy's bad habit of not stopping at the end of her duet, "Heart and Soul." In fact, Moxy keeps playing until she has decided she has been in the spotlight long enough. Ms. Killingher feels that it would be best to not subject the other students, as well as other members of the community, to Moxy's playing, unless of course she can agree to play the song as written. (Moxy has created an extra part. It may sound like pounding to you, but it is really the sound of a beating heart.) Moxy is not going to let this bit of information get in the way. She has been preparing for tonight. She even designed a cape to wear during her performance, a cape that has her name spelled across the back. In glitter, no less. Moxy arrives at the theatre, expecting to find all 2,400 seats filled. Instead she sees approximately twenty-three people in the audience. This does not dismiss the fear that has suddenly consumed her. When it is her turn to play, Moxy Maxwell is frozen behind the stage curtain. In true Moxy fashion, she finds her courage, begins to play, and actually stops before the song is over, thanks to her grumbling belly. Reluctant readers will be engrossed in this novel and will enjoy the laughable photographs of Moxy and her family that are interspersed throughout.Boys, as well as girls, will get a big kick out of Moxy's antics. Reviewer: Summer Whiting