Jo's Old Site

This book is by an Australian author named Simon French, and its ISBN: 9781561454433 and the publisher of this edition is called Peachtree Publishers Limited. I first found this book while I was wandering around in the children books section in a local library, and I decided then to take it home so that I could read it. And I loved it so much that I like to get my own copy of the book.

The story is set in Germany at first as it is about a boy named Ari who plays the violin, and then he migrates to Australia with his mother who is a widow. But before they moved to Australia, Ari and his mother lived with the boy’s grandfather who also plays the violin. He also encourages Ari’s interest in music, and Ari idolises him.

Ari and his mother first came to Australia on a holiday, and then his mother met a man that also likes and enjoys playing music and eventually,they end up getting married. But this means moving away from Ari’s grandfather. He also has to make new friends, and Ari feels self conscious about his love of music, and playing the violin. And although he keeps practicing he tries to keep it a secret.

However, when his friend at school finds out that he plays the violin, he doesn’t make fun of it. He just thinks Ari is real good at playing the violin. And his friend tells the headmaster about it. Then suddenly Ari’s secret is no secret anymore.

But that is not the only secret he is keeping. As Ari takes private violin lessons, and his teacher finds out that Ari has been writing his own music for some time. However, Ari’s world is temporary turned upside down when he is told that his grandfather has died.

Then he discovers that he can still turn to music, and playing his violin to heal himself and it also allows him to form a new friendship with another boy who also plays the violin.