Friendship, identity, and self-discovery take center stage in this musical summer camp graphic novel for tweens.Tate Seong can't get the hang of the viola but is excited to attend Camp Prodigy, a summer string orchestra camp for middle schoolers. There, Tate meets nonbinary fellow camper Eli Violet, a viola virtuoso with stage fright. With Eli's behind-the-scenes support, Tate's viola skills quickly improve, and the bond between the two grows even stronger when Eli supports Tate's realization that they're also nonbinary. Tate's skills rocket them all the way to first chair viola, but Eli becomes engrossed in other camp activities, enjoying themself for the first time all summer. This new friendship and increasing musical tenacity give Tate the confidence to come out to their close friends at camp-and ultimately, their parents. The story begins in a rush, but it hits its stride as Tate arrives at camp, compensating for some early pacing issues. Tate's journey of gender discovery is delicately wrought and joyfully celebrated without major conflict. Bold, jewel-toned, manga-style illustrations propel the story forward with movement and expression. Tate reads biracial, with parents who are cued white and Korean American; Eli reads Black, and the campers represent a range of races and body types.An immersive and affirming story that hits the right notes. (concept art) (Graphic fiction. 8-12)

Gr 3–8— Tate decides they want to play the viola just like their hero, the musical child prodigy Eli. When Tate attends a concert where Eli loses confidence and runs away from playing their solo, Tate becomes more determined to master the instrument. The two middle school protagonists meet at Camp Prodigy the following summer and form a mutually supportive bond that includes refining musical technique, and for Eli, regaining self-confidence, and for Tate, becoming brave enough to come out to their family as nonbinary. A full cast of variously motivated tween campers, encouraging camp staff, and supportive families for both Tate and Eli creates a story that readily contains the twin arcs of gaining comfort with artistry and with gender identity. Colorful and overflowing with camp activities as well as musical performances, Tate and Eli's summer evolves with inspired and inspiring positivity. Tate is biracial white and South Asian, Eli is Black, and their peers are a range of ethnic backgrounds and body shapes. VERDICT A tween graphic novel that checks both aesthetic and message boxes with grace—this one belongs in all public and middle and elementary school libraries.— Francisca Goldsmith