Audition & Subtraction

by Amy Fellner Dominy

For as long as Tatum can remember it’s been:

Tatum + Lori = Best friends

They do everything together, including a yearly clarinet/flute duet for District Honor Band auditions. But when a new boy transfers to their middle school and their band, the equation suddenly changes to:

Lori + Michael – Tatum = One happy couple

With her best friend slipping away and her parents recently separated, Tatum’s life has turned upside down. Plus her good friend Aaron thinks that they are secretly boyfriend and girlfriend, all because of one little lie Tatum told. Accepting change isn’t easy for Tatum, but just how much is she willing to give up to hold on to her friendship with Lori and life as she knows it? For Tatum, the best way to move forward may require a whole new formula . . .

Genres: Middle Grade, Young Adult, Music, Romance, Contemporary, Friendship, Realistic Fiction

Hardcover

First published September 4, 2012

About the author

Hi! I write contemporary books for kids and teens and anyone who loves adventure, nature, laughter and a bit of magic. Coming in 2026: MONSTER DOWN DEEP, a middle grade adventure and A HOUSE WITH NO DOOR, a picture book about the harvest holiday of Sukkot. For news, giveaways and sneak peeks, sign up for my monthly newsletter at www.amydominy.com/newsletter. Thanks for following me here!

Reviews

[Kelly Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book because I loved OyMG so much. The two are very different and while I definitely preferred OyMG, I really enjoyed this one, too.

I think everyone can relate to the idea of being left behind. Tatum tries so hard to cling to her friendship with Lori that she's very willing to sell herself short. And, like most of us (or, at the very least, like me), she won't admit to being upset or hurt because it may cause a fight or accusations of being jealous that Lori has a boyfriend and she doesn't.

She even goes out on a fake date with her friend Aaron so that Lori will wonder what else Tatum has going on that she isn't sharing. (And honestly, Aaron is so much cooler than Lori's boyfriend Michael.)

This is a very sweet, fun book. And it's impossible not to cheer for Tatum. Highly recommended.

[Kami · Rating 4 out of 5]

- This was a really cute book. There were a few things that were juvenile, but that was the target audience for the book, so I guess it's ok.

- I LOVED LOVED LOVED all the band geek stuff!! I also LOVED LOVED LOVED all the clarinet stuff! I can totally sympathize with a calloused thumb and a sore lip!

- I remember the competitive feeling in band. It was exciting and nerve wrecking! Good Times!

- Auditions are scary. I'm with Tatum! They suck! This book brought back all sorts of memories about regional and state solos!

- This book made me want to play my clarinet more!

- I loved Tatum's character development. She is a teen that is still trying to figure out who she is, and I liked how she resolved everything in the end.

- I could relate to Tatum on several levels!

- Lori was a very realistic best friend. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows with your best friend. There will be fights and disagreements, but they are always solved.

- The little bits of romance between Tatum and Aaron were cute! I really liked Aaron.

- Overall, this book is definitely for a younger audience, but I enjoyed it! I thought it was a charming little story!

- CLARINETS RULE!

[Evelyn Krieger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a refreshing read--no swearing, violence, darkness, or controversy. Even thought the main characters are fourteen, the story seems more fitting for ages 9-12. Audition and Subtraction is a fun story that tweens can get lost in. I enjoyed reading about middle-school band life, something I never experienced. Tatum's voice was authentic and humorous. Her problems and emotions will feel real to young readers. The themes of accepting change and facing one's fears are woven into a great story without being preachy. I could imagine some interesting book club discussions: What would you have done in Tatum's situation? Have you ever felt betrayed by a best friend? Did you expect (like) the ending? Bravo to Amy Feller Dominy for another great middle grade novel!

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tatum and Lori are inseparable. When Tatum found out her parents were getting separated, she basically lived at Lori’s. There friendship should be able to overcome everything. Right? There is a new boy at school, Michael. Not only has he caught Lori’s eye, he’s also up for the same spot as Tatum in the District Honor Band. Tatum isn’t sure that Lori is in her corner now that Michael is her boyfriend.

This book was adorable! It was sweet, fun and just enjoyable to read.

I loved the relationship between Tatum and Lori. Middle school is such a intense time, friendships are bound to be tested just as the characters were in this book. Poor Lori. I wanted to be mad at her and disappointed in some of the positions she puts Tatum in. I mean seriously, what kind of friend would do that! But then it’s easy to forget what it felt like at that age when a boy likes you and you can’t believe it because you never thought in a million years a boy would like you. It’s intoxicating. I know I made stupid decisions just like Lori because of a boy.

I loved the fake date with Aaron. How Tatum could not see how obviously head over heels that boy was for her, is beyond me! I think that Tatum definitely beat Lori out on the awesome boyfriend. Maybe Michael irked me a bit since he was the reason for some of Lori’s insane actions.

In addition to dealing with loosing her best friend and worrying about getting a spot on the District Honor Band, Tatum is also facing challenges at home with the separation of her parents. I loved how Amy intertwined all of that and made it seem seamless. It could have gotten really hairy there and it didn’t.

Great characters, a wonderfully told story and just plain fun.

[Stephanie Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would be lying if I said the title had nothing to do with my decision to read this book. I am a math teacher and the title is so close to ‘addition and subtraction’ that I was immediately drawn to it! Then I found of it was written by Amy Fellner Dominy and I was sold!
This story is about a 14 year old girl, Tatum, whose world is turned upside down when a new boy shows up at school and seems to take everything away from her. She had been planning on taking the third spot in the District Honor Band until he came along and tried to take it away from her. Not only is he ruining her band life, but he is trying to turn her best friend against her. What is a girl supposed to do when her best friend sides with her boyfriend instead of her?
This book was a quick read and I loved it! Being an 8th grade teacher, I felt like I saw a lot of my students represented in this book. There is the girl who has been overweight her whole life and has recently been able to slim down, the guy who is in love with a friend who doesn’t have a clue, the boy who just can’t seem to do anything to get his dad’s attention, and the girl who wants to hide out in her best friend’s shadow. This book had some great moments where I was able to connect with the character because I had been in that situation before. This is a book that I will most certainly be putting in my classroom library and recommending to my students. Not only is it a cute story, but I think everyone can learn from the mistakes that are being made during the course of the book.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can math equations change or does every problem only have 1 answer? Tatum believes that Tatum + Lori = Best Friends is an equation that will never change; however, she cannot predict variables that may change the problem as she knows it.

Amy Fellner Dominy is such a realistic voice in the world of middle grade novels. Her humor, story and emotions are spot on to the middle school experience. I also love that overall the book is such a positive look at life even though it does deal with a lot of what is complicated at that age. It is so pleasant to have this type of novel available for middle grade students. The protagonist also represents a population of middle schoolers that are not usually found in literature- a smart, math & music "nerd" thus making it so another group of girls will see themselves reflected in a book.

[Jen Bigheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book every band geek will enjoy! I say that with love.... When hottie Michael moves in to town, shy Tatum is determined to not let this boy come in between her and her BFF Lori. Lori on the other hand, is knee deep in her first relationship. Throw in a fight to the death band competition - well, almost - and you have a fun middle grade that tests the lines of friendships.

Check out a great blog post about the WORST SCHOOL PICTURE ever at the blog! Yes, WE both share pictures!

http://www.jenbigheart.com/2012/09/re...

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

OyMG . . . Amy has done it again!!!!!!! This book is the perfect tween book. My daughter and I each read it within a single night. Reading about tweens and their friendships and the relationships, some of us are well beyond the tween stage. It was nice to revisit it. This book is full of twists and turns and surprises! I have now read the book three times and plan on reading it a few more times! It was a great read. Look forward to more of Amy's books!!!!!!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it incorpated the school band into its main plot line.

[Terry Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story about friendship and family and growing up. The characters, especially Tatum, come alive through great choice of details.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great message about friendship and having confidence in yourself.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tatum Austin really wants to make district honor band. But Michael does too. There is only only one spot available for the 2 of them. Michael is Laurie's girlfriend and Tatum suspects he is using Laurie to help him with auditions. I think this book was really great and creative.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audition & Subtraction is the latest middle grade novel from OyMG author Amy Fellner Dominy. This time, Dominy takes her readers into the world of middle school band competition. Tatum is a clarinetist, and Lori plays flute. They have been best friends forever, and Lori has always been there to play duets with Tatum so she doesn’t have to face the District Honor Band judges on her own. This year, though, there’s a new clarinetist in town, Michael, and not only does he present serious competition for Tatum, he also starts dating Lori. As Lori becomes more and more focused on her relationship with Michael, Tatum worries that she will be more interested in helping her boyfriend succeed than in making sure Tatum plays well at their audition. Tatum thinks the solution might be to play a solo this year instead - after all, her teacher and her good friend Aaron both think she can do it - but it will never be possible until Tatum believes it herself.

I, too, was a middle school clarinet player, and though I never willingly entered any sort of competition, I could relate to Tatum’s desire to play well, and to her fears about doing so on her own in front of strangers. I think the author did a wonderful job of capturing the details of the middle school band environment. I loved the way Tatum and Aaron subtly goofed off during rehearsal, and I nearly cheered when I saw a mention of “Air for Band.” (To this day, when I hear that piece, I am transported back to 7th grade symphonic band.)

Aside from the wonderful details about band life, I also appreciated the depth of the emotions experienced by Dominy’s characters. Tatum’s doubts in herself are the doubts of every tween girl, which gives the book this great universal girl appeal, but Lori and Michael come across as complex and flawed individuals as well. Lori revels in her newfound attention from boys after her recent weight loss, and Michael frets over the opinions of his professional musician father, who promises to come visit only if his son gets into the Honor Band. The characterization is the strongest aspect of the story because Dominy takes the time to add layers to each character, not just to the protagonist.

The last couple chapters of this book are a little sappy, I won’t deny that, but the ending is so satisfying. I think girls will really see themselves in Tatum, and root for her, and when they finally see her learn how to stand on her own, I hope they feel the same relief and love for her as a character that I felt. I got a little bit teary-eyed reading this story; anyone who had a tough time in middle school will probably do the same.

Audition & Subtraction is a logical read-alike for How to Rock Braces and Glasses, Ten Miles Past Normal, and Notes from an Accidental Band Geek, since all three books have a strong musical theme. It also compares well to some of Lauren Barnholdt’s tween fiction, which also focuses on friendships and dating, but not as much on sex or puberty. (Fun fact: The cover illustration for Audition & Subtraction was done by Nathalie Dion, who also does the covers for Lauren Barnholdt's tween novels!) Audition & Subtraction is a perfect bridge book between things like the Cupcake Diaries and the Baby-sitters Club and the more mature themes of books by authors like Lauren Myracle and Judy Blume. It’s one of my favorite books from 2012, and I can’t wait to see where Amy Fellner Dominy takes us next!

[Liviania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confession time! I thought AUDITION & SUBTRACTION was a young adult novel before I started reading it. I know, I know, the cartoon cover should've given it away, but I didn't. I was kind of disappointed because I wanted to read about high school band. (Not that I don't have fond memories of middle school band, too. I'm just hostile to surprise.)

Tatum is a second clarinet in the Dakota Middle School band, but she still has a chance of being one of three clarinets from the school that earns a spot in the District Honor Band. But there's a new student in town - and he plays the clarinet too. To make it worse, he starts dating Lori, Tatum's duet partner for the auditions. She doesn't have a chance if her secret weapon is distracted by the competition. And it isn't just about District Honor Band - Tatum may have a shot at making the Wind Ensemble as a freshman if she impresses the high school director at her audition.

(Okay, that last bit really bugged me throughout the book. There are about seven clarinets in the middle school band. First off, that indicates there should be enough students that the high school needs at least three bands, not just a Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Now, a high school Wind Ensemble should have no more than six clarinets - two per part. There are three clarinets who are better than Tatum in the middle school. That means there would have to be less than three upperclassmen better than the freshmen for Tatum to make the band. That's highly unlikely. Band geekery over!)

AUDITION & SUBTRACTION is both about friendship and believing in your own abilities. Lori acts like a bad friend during the novel, but part of her attitude was encouraged by Tatum's lack of belief in herself. Meanwhile, stand buddy Aaron is clearly way into Tatum but she can't see it because she's too busy obsessing over Lori and Michael. But perhaps he needs to be more direct about his feelings. Tatum's life is also complicated by her parents' separation.

I think current, past, and prospective band geeks will enjoy AUDITION & SUBTRACTION. It's a cute, fun read. I think I would've preferred it as a YA novel, but that's probably just me being cranky.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Heise Reads & Recommends

AUDITION & SUBTRACTION is such a cute story. It's exactly what I've come to expect from Amy Fellner Dominy! Her writing voice is spot on for a middle grades book that will engage readers. Her books have middle school appropriate romance with a unique twist. This time it's the band students.

Some things seemed a little obvious to me as an experienced reader, but as a middle schooler, I probably wouldn't have realized them at that age. However, Amy's writing is that type of fun, school-set romance, with friendship/family elements. It's kinds of like the chick flick for the book set, which is a very good thing because so many of my students are asking for that, but with more depth of thought and lessons to learn and quality to it than some of the other books for this age in this genre. She also writes smart characters who are not the popular kids, but are the real kids that I see who are interested in a variety of things and want to be successful, but are also insecure at times.

AUDITION & SUBTRACTION is all about the reality of what happens when it's no longer just you and your best friend, but a boyfriend is introduced to the mix. It's the reality of how we move on in our lives and reevalute friendships and relationships as we grow up and sometimes grow apart. It also includes a very sweet start to a relationship with a really good guy who is fully supportive of the main character.

Beyond the friendship and romance elements, there's a strong message of figuring out what you want and going for it, no matter what others might say to try to hold you back. Doing what you can to reach your dreams by working hard is an important part of this novel. There are also strong parental figures who are supportive of their child, which is always nice to see.

Overall, Amy Fellner Dominy has written a cute, fun, easy to read romance and drama book that middle school girls are always asking me for. I think they'll really enjoy AUDITION & SUBTRACTION, especially those band students. I know I did!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crow, a review book I actually liked. Be still, my heart.

Since the third grade, Tatum and Lori have been inseparable, but now that middle school is drawing to a close, things are changing. Tatum first notices it when Michael moves to town--Michael, the new kid, the new clarinet player, the new clarinet player who threatens Tatum's chance at getting into the District Honor Band. Michael, whose immediate interest in Lori threatens to break up the friendship. As Lori begins to take her new boyfriend's side over Tay's, going so far as to ask Tay to throw her Honor Band audition so that Michael can claim the coveted spot, Tay struggles to cope with the change in her best friend. Tay's also wrestling with other changes, including her parents' recent separation and her friend who might want to be more than a friend.

The plot focuses on the upcoming band auditions, but the story is driven by the changing relationships and dynamics, all of which ring very true to middle-school dramas. Tay's parents, while not deeply developed, are supportive without being intrusive. Middle school girls looking for a realistic story will enjoy this one, and even the teens without musical aspirations will identify with Tatum's problems.

(And bonus points for the ending not being what I expected! It's refreshing to see a book that doesn't just give the lead character what she's worked hard for, but suggests that she might earn it later with even more hard work, though even that is no guarantee.)

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tatum doesn’t like change, but everything around her seems to be changing anyway. Her parents are separated and talking about divorce, her best friend lost weight and is reveling in newfound attention from boys, and a new kid in band wants to move into her position as third clarinet. She wants things back the way they were before eighth grade started, but since that’s not happening, Tatum has to figure out how to adjust or be left behind while everyone else moves on.

Audition and Subtraction by Amy Fellner Dominy (OyMG) delves into issues that pre-teens and teens are sure to face: What do you do when a friend starts to treat you differently because she’s dating someone? Can you overcome insecurities to excel on your own? How do you respond when a friend asks you to fail so someone else can succeed? What happens when a friend of the opposite sex shows interest in becoming more than a friend?

These are all tough issues that are often difficult to navigate and they should provide lots of conversation possibilities for mother-daughter book clubs with girls aged 10 to 14. As with her previous book OyMG, Dominy does a great job of capturing the conflicting feelings that tweens and young teens experience. Her characters see that often we both like and dislike things about the people we know, and they struggle to be true to themselves when they encounter conflict. Audition and Subtraction is another Dominy book I can highly recommend.

The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audition and Subtraction was a good middle grade novel. The book is about a girl named Tatum. Everything is changing around her and she doesn't like it. She can’t understand why everything can’t go back to the way it was before. She has quite a few bad changes in her life, but she also a few good ones too. This book has a good lesson for the readers. The lesson is, change is not always a bad thing. It might seem like the worst thing in the world when you are going through it. However, something positive almost always happens from it. Change can be a learning experience and lead to good memories, such as, Tatum’s mom being in the play. Tatum thought that it was one of the worst things to happen at the time, but it turned out to be a fun experience for everyone. The book was very well written. It made me laugh at times, and reflect at others. My favorite character was Tatum’s mom. She was a very strong woman. Instead of getting depressed after a separation, she went out and found something she enjoyed doing. I would recommend this novel to female students in fifth through eighth grade. I would also recommend it to anyone who has ever been in band.

[Laurisa Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrific book for ages 10 - 14, especially girls. Tatum plays clarinet and has her heart set on making it into honor band. With the audition looming, a new clarinetist moves in. Michael is just as determined as she is to get into the band, but only one can make it. What follows is a story of competition and friendship and first love.

I thoroughly enjoyed Audition & Subtraction, which surprised me since I don't read much contemporary fiction. But the story had just the right balance of humor and suspense to keep me interested all the way to shocking end.

Best of all, the book is clean. Yes, there is a little bit of kissing, but it is all innocent and harmless. Audition and Subtraction is a worthy addition to any school or family library.

[Shielamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDITION AND SUBTRACTION is like a favorite boyfriend on a cool afternoon; something you want to cozy up with and never let go. Her middle grade voice carried me back to the days of marching bands, first loves, and discovering the world isn't always the wonderful place you thought it should be. The sweet and honest story kept me up way past my bedtime because, like that first boyfriend I talked all hours on the phone with, I wasn't ready to say goodnight. It was a quick read that had me nodding my head in empathy, and laughing more times than I could count. A&S is one of the best reads I've had this year!

[Bree Ervin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Amy Fellner Dominy's writing in OyMG. Reading this solidified her status in my mind as this generation's Judy Blume. (Not to put too much pressure on her!)

Audition and Subtraction is for anyone who has struggled to balance their goals and aspirations against the pressures of friendship, dating, love and fear of being left out.

Hands down one of my favorite books, from one of my favorite authors.
Full review lives here - http://thinkbannedthoughts.wordpress....

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully engaging story of growing up and becoming your own person. The characters are wonderful. Tatum and Lori are best friends and both in the band however when the new band mate comes along it stirs up trouble in the friendship and leads to tough choices and realizations. I enjoyed this book and completed it in one sitting. A great read for middle school ages. I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Gabrielle S · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the plot summary for this one I thought that it would be a typical boy gets in the middle of two best girl friends and then they either realize friendship is more important than boys or they fall out permanently when one realizes that the other was not a true friend. So I was pleasantly surprised by this book because it didn't do that. It was sweet and you really did like Tatum and you wanted her to succeed.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The ultimate message–that we don’t always get everything we want, even after sacrifices and hard work–is a valuable one, presented subtly. Girls looking for a realistic story will enjoy this one, and even those without musical aspirations will identify with Tatum’s problems." -- School Library Journal

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has played in a band would love this heart warming coming of age book. I especially like this because I played the clarinet in Jr. high and High School, just like the protagonist. This book addresses the complexities of friendship, dealing with parental separation, and being true to yourself. I love the characters and how Tatum eventually learns the value of courage.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was very much in tune with my youth when I was auditioning for honor bands and practicing to defend my first chair clarinetist status. Tatum and Lori have been a duet since elementary school and now the new boy, Michael, also a clarinetist, is putting a wedge between them, plus, Tatum's parents are considering divorce. This book was sweet music all around.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 3 out of 5]

IRA 2013 nominee Intermediate Fiction. I think Dominy's second effort is a good take on the middle school relationship novel. The voice is more authentic and the innocent take on love and friendship is presented well. Not much new here but a better effort than most in this category.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This talented author captivated me from the first page in this coming of age read. Superb writing style and realistic / important life lessons about standing up for yourself when others would have you simply follow them and do what they want you to do. Content sutible for younger readers.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the music aspect of it, and loved how they still remained friends at the end, although the dynamic really had to change. I hate clingy friends, and Tatum acted just like a clingy friend who "owns" this one person and does not want anything to change. How stifling!

[Sarah (YA Love) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite simply adorable. What a good book. Full review to come :)