I loved this book, which I read as one of next year's Oregon Battle of the Books selections for middle schoolers. Though the sheer volume of their adventures may be somewhat implausible, the book is well written and draws you into the exploits of the three friends, and especially into the mind of Jody's character. The setting is a fascinating time in history, and you can't help but be drawn into the plot while you learn a bit about post-Wall Europe. Thumbs up! It is 1990 and the wall that separated Communist East Berlin from the capitalist West has finally come down. For Jody this means moving back the States with her dad who’s retiring from the army and saying goodbye the the two best friends she’s ever had. Before they part ways the three girls plan one last adventure a trip to Paris where they’ll compete in a classical music contest as a string trio. Winning will (almost) make up for the fact that they’ll soon be separated. But as they walk home from their final music lesson the girls witness a terrible crime and must act to save a Soviet soldier’s life. Getting to Paris becomes urgent as the girls discover that the border between friend and enemy is not as clear as it once was. In this fast-paced tale of music, friendship and adventure, Rosanne Parry, author of Heart of a Shepherd, offers a sensitive portrayal of military families at a pivotal moment in history.
What do You think about Second Fiddle (2011)?
good adventure set in Berlin after the fall of the wall - main characters are girls
—Uki
Ignoring cover, reading and enjoying pages between.
—idrctm
I loved this book, it's clever and entertaining.
—desiree
