Vin (short for Bevyn) is a high energy, borderline hyperactive 7th grader. He has a vivid imagination, an ironic sense of humor, a knack for exaggeration bordering on prevarication. There is a classic conflicting relationship with a somewhat older, hormonally aroused, highly manipulative teenage sister. Sister Meg is a talented pianist who is actively fabricating circumstances to coerce Vin (a reasonably talented trumpeter) to accompany her in a duet on stage in a future community event. However, she is making conditions so unpalatable for Vin that he is forced to contrive a plan to enlist the services of a more accomplished, older trumpeter (Brad) on whom Meg has a thinly- veiled crush. Vin is involved because Brad's younger brother is a classmate. Though acquainted with each other, Brad's younger brother, Binkley, (nicknamed Eyeballs because of thick magnifying glasses) is a nerd and not anywhere near Vin's clique of acquaintances.
So, utilizing an irresistible bribe, Meg forces Vin to engineer circumstances whereby he and Binkley meet and develop a common interest so Vin can hook up somehow with Brad to sell him on the duet. The duet is for piano and trumpet and is written by Meg, of whose talents as a music composer Vin has serious doubts. There is a time limit of several days to give Meg and her trumpeter time to practice for the recital.
The plot, of course, thickens and Vin's contrivances for the most part fail. However, just in time, Vin realizes that Binkley is much more than a nerd. Binkley is a talented percussionist and possesses much more character and insight than one expects for a nerd. The cast of characters include parents, an eccentric Uncle who is a marine biologist, an assortment of somewhat wacky friends and acquaintances, a wealthy neighbor with an attractive classmate daughter, privileged contacts and a remarkable home, Vin's 90 year old grandmother whose husband was a music publisher, Brad, the object of Meg's affections who leads a small group of musicians, and an assortment of other characters including a Great Dane dog.
In the end, the recital comes off and is a success even with multiple unforeseen glitches with which Vin and others handle with talent, spontaneous and extemporaneous responses, slapstick comedy carried off seamlessly much to the amusement and satisfaction of the audience.
CRITIQUE:
Ms. Lyons writes this story for the young teenager and perhaps the precocious preteen, although older people can enjoy it, too. The plot is laid out almost immediately. Subplots and distractions appear with regularity but all are resolved and end up dovetailing with the main plot.
Vin, the dominant character, is often barely in touch with his reality but is consistent. His perceptions of situations are somewhat distorted and his responses are exaggerated and not altogether appropriate. However, the author captures the spirit and motivations of a highly energized, adventuring, intelligent teenager who, in real life, can be very unpredictable.
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