At a Battle of the Bands event, Ace and his best friend Denny notice that girls like musicians, no matter how dorky the dudes might be.
Having, so far, been severely challenged when it comes to meeting girls, they decide to start a band. Ace discovers that he loves playing guitar and electric bass. While Denny tweets their every move and their clean-freak drummer, Pig, polishes everything in sight, Ace tries to write a song that will win at the next local teen songwriting contest. It's more difficult than he thought it would be. When Denny brings a great tune to rehearsal, Ace is devastated that Denny, who rarely practices, is a better songwriter than he is. The contest is only days away when Ace discovers that Denny stole the song, and Ace has to decide if winning is worth the lie.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! Also available in French as Accord de puissance.
"Staunton introduces an authentic voice in Ace...The quick pace, snappy dialogue and music terminology will appeal to reluctant readers. "
– CM: Canadian Review of Materials
"This entry in the Orca Currents series is excellently tuned to its purpose, staying snappy and solid rather than broadening out into needless wackiness...Ultimately, it's a fond and focused tribute to the joy of getting together with pals to make some noise and draw attention...Endearing, approachable, and authentic, this is a triple-threat quick pick."
– The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"This quick and straightforward story...benefits from Staunton's laid-back narrative style."
– The Horn Book Guide
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2012 | Commended
