Libby Bloom

Libby Bloom wishes she could be as smart and talented as her practically perfect sister. But Libby's only talent seems to be embarrassing herself. So she's horrified when, after causing a scene during chorus, she's switched to band class. Even worse, Mr. Cheney, the band teacher, assigns her to play the tuba-not exactly a low-profile instrument! Lessons with the perceptive Mr. Cheney, however, are about more than just music. Soon Libby learns that she can do something well-something that might even help save her school. Clumsy but determined, Libby Bloom is a character whose hilarious embarrassments, wishes, and triumphs readers will recognize all too well. Beata Szpura's funky illustrations add to the humor of the story of one unforgettable fourth-grader.