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Girl vs. Boy Band #2
The High Note
A few months after winning her school's talent show with her original song Homesick, eighth-grader Lark's star is on the rise. Not only did she impress her classmates, but now she's making waves on YouTube, thanks to her friend Mimi uploading a video of Lark's singing. A record executive is interested in signing Lark to his label, which infuriates Lark's mom, who runs her own record label.
Meanwhile, Lark's friends in the British boy band Abbey Road are still trying to make it big in the U. S. As they're being primed for fame, Lark worries that she's losing touch with her new friends... until they ask her to be an opening act. Can she find the courage to overcome her recurring stage fright in time to perform when it counts the most?
Meanwhile, Lark's friends in the British boy band Abbey Road are still trying to make it big in the U. S. As they're being primed for fame, Lark worries that she's losing touch with her new friends... until they ask her to be an opening act. Can she find the courage to overcome her recurring stage fright in time to perform when it counts the most?
- GenresYoung Adult
240 pages, Hardcover
Published June 27, 2017
3 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 19, 2017
Well that was a perfect follow on from the first book and I already can't wait for the next one. I don't know for certain if there will be a next one but there has to be cos Larks music career is just beginning as well as her love life. I absolutely loved this book and thought it was so cute. I just love the relationship they all have at the Campbell house. And Lark and Teddy are so cute!! Can't wait to read more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2017
I received a free copy of the book from Bloomsbury USA Children’s Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Make sure to read more reviews at Katherine's Book Reviews.
The High Note is a middle grade novel by Harmony Jones. It is the second book in the Girls Vs. Boy series but it can be read as a stand alone. Twelve year old Lark previously made her mark at the school’s talent show by singing an original song that she had written. Her friend Mimi uploads a video to YouTube of Lark singing, and from there, her life unexpectedly changes. A record executive sees the video and contacts Lark, saying that he is interested in signing her on his label. Lark’s mother, who actually runs her own record label, is furious at the thought of some hotshot producer taking her daughter away from her. Also, Lark’s old friends/up and coming boy band Abbey Road ask Lark to be their opening act. She has a love for music, but is so anxious about all that is happening to her. Can Lark handle her new fame? Or will she succumb to her stage fright and never allow herself to grow?
The High Note is a light and energetic novel that middle schoolers will rock out to. Although the plot overall is a little unrealistic, this is a fanfiction type of book that allows kids to dream big. The main character named Lark is a shy girl that most middle school girls can relate to; her voice is authentic and her attitude matures over the course of the novel. The band Abbey Road will make middle school girls swoon. One of its members named Teddy is a great friend to Lark and it was nice to see them lean upon each other throughout the novel. The budding romance between Teddy and Lark is cute, however, I do not believe a girl as young as twelve years old needs to be focused on relationships. But the novel ends on a note that focuses on the most important aspect of this book: the message that with the right amount of courage, you can do anything you set your mind to.
All in all, this book is an enjoyable read. Jones writes well; the pacing in this book is quick given the subject matter and you are never left feeling bored. I do think there are parts of the plot that dragged out a bit too much but otherwise, it is easy to become attached to this story. The tone in this novel is praise-worthy as it can easily resonate with young kids and understands their emotions. This is a good addition to the series; it completes the feelings given out in the first book and expands on the idea of growth during a time where change can seem scary. Basically, this book made me feel like a young teen again and put me in a mindset that helped me think about how I have grown, and made me think back to all of the things I wish I knew at that age. I suggest this book to young boys and girls who have a passion for music, and even to parents who wish to understand their kids. This book teaches you that it is okay to be afraid but that you should never let fear hold you back from reaching your dreams.
The High Note is a middle grade novel by Harmony Jones. It is the second book in the Girls Vs. Boy series but it can be read as a stand alone. Twelve year old Lark previously made her mark at the school’s talent show by singing an original song that she had written. Her friend Mimi uploads a video to YouTube of Lark singing, and from there, her life unexpectedly changes. A record executive sees the video and contacts Lark, saying that he is interested in signing her on his label. Lark’s mother, who actually runs her own record label, is furious at the thought of some hotshot producer taking her daughter away from her. Also, Lark’s old friends/up and coming boy band Abbey Road ask Lark to be their opening act. She has a love for music, but is so anxious about all that is happening to her. Can Lark handle her new fame? Or will she succumb to her stage fright and never allow herself to grow?
The High Note is a light and energetic novel that middle schoolers will rock out to. Although the plot overall is a little unrealistic, this is a fanfiction type of book that allows kids to dream big. The main character named Lark is a shy girl that most middle school girls can relate to; her voice is authentic and her attitude matures over the course of the novel. The band Abbey Road will make middle school girls swoon. One of its members named Teddy is a great friend to Lark and it was nice to see them lean upon each other throughout the novel. The budding romance between Teddy and Lark is cute, however, I do not believe a girl as young as twelve years old needs to be focused on relationships. But the novel ends on a note that focuses on the most important aspect of this book: the message that with the right amount of courage, you can do anything you set your mind to.
All in all, this book is an enjoyable read. Jones writes well; the pacing in this book is quick given the subject matter and you are never left feeling bored. I do think there are parts of the plot that dragged out a bit too much but otherwise, it is easy to become attached to this story. The tone in this novel is praise-worthy as it can easily resonate with young kids and understands their emotions. This is a good addition to the series; it completes the feelings given out in the first book and expands on the idea of growth during a time where change can seem scary. Basically, this book made me feel like a young teen again and put me in a mindset that helped me think about how I have grown, and made me think back to all of the things I wish I knew at that age. I suggest this book to young boys and girls who have a passion for music, and even to parents who wish to understand their kids. This book teaches you that it is okay to be afraid but that you should never let fear hold you back from reaching your dreams.
April 5, 2018
Larks mum is a music mogul whom has put Larks two now best friends, two guys, in the band she has created and is busy promoting. Larks best friend, Mimi under an online pseudonym posts a video of Lark performing as Songbird her own original song which gets more and more hits online.
Ally is the school mean girl and loves to put Lark down whilst she is jealous of her relationship with Teddy, the hot new keyboard player in Abbey Road with Ollie and Max the two original members remaining.
Lark's dad is in a country band and Lark takes Teddy on a date to see them perform and give Teddy a taste of what could be to come for the band and him but upon the release of their album, he's extremely nervous and doubts the sudden success as well as stressing about school.
As Lark also struggles with the choice of becoming a star herself, her mum offers to be her manager as well after she Gets approaches by a record label wanting to sign her, she struggles with her choice and after a fall out with Mimi, getting closer to Teddy at the band launch party as her dad creates trouble for her, it's full of action in the fast paced music industry world!
I loved this book and I don't usually care for music themes books despite loving music itself, I found it alike to Hannah Montana and Big Time Rush in book form. I found all the characters great and the plot flowed nicely however I would have liked there to be more between Teddy and Lark but there's more to this story in another instalment I think!
Ally is the school mean girl and loves to put Lark down whilst she is jealous of her relationship with Teddy, the hot new keyboard player in Abbey Road with Ollie and Max the two original members remaining.
Lark's dad is in a country band and Lark takes Teddy on a date to see them perform and give Teddy a taste of what could be to come for the band and him but upon the release of their album, he's extremely nervous and doubts the sudden success as well as stressing about school.
As Lark also struggles with the choice of becoming a star herself, her mum offers to be her manager as well after she Gets approaches by a record label wanting to sign her, she struggles with her choice and after a fall out with Mimi, getting closer to Teddy at the band launch party as her dad creates trouble for her, it's full of action in the fast paced music industry world!
I loved this book and I don't usually care for music themes books despite loving music itself, I found it alike to Hannah Montana and Big Time Rush in book form. I found all the characters great and the plot flowed nicely however I would have liked there to be more between Teddy and Lark but there's more to this story in another instalment I think!
October 21, 2019
Good plot, but the execution lacks detail. In this sequel to The Right Track, the shy daughter of a recording agent, Lark, finally gains the courage to step into the limelight. She has been the songwriter for the British boy band, Abbey Road, but she has a voice that she's been hiding. Her friend Mimi loves making videos so she makes a music video of Lark. It goes viral on Youtube and Lark has a decision to make about her singing career.
There's a couple of big scenes. Early morning TV interview. Backstage visit to her dad's country band. Unexpected stage appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Fill-in performer at a music festival. Lark's feelings for fellow classmate and Abbey Road newcomer, Teddy, progress a little further. The problem is that everything was too surface level for me. I didn't get a strong sense of place, character or the middle school atmosphere. I wish the author had gone deeper at critical moments and deleted the less important stuff. I did, however, appreciate the wise advice from Lark's mother and family chef.
Two books I can recommend with a music theme are Blackbird Fly and I Heart Band. As always, my opinions reflect my own taste and are not necessarily indicative of how it will be received by kids.
There's a couple of big scenes. Early morning TV interview. Backstage visit to her dad's country band. Unexpected stage appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Fill-in performer at a music festival. Lark's feelings for fellow classmate and Abbey Road newcomer, Teddy, progress a little further. The problem is that everything was too surface level for me. I didn't get a strong sense of place, character or the middle school atmosphere. I wish the author had gone deeper at critical moments and deleted the less important stuff. I did, however, appreciate the wise advice from Lark's mother and family chef.
Two books I can recommend with a music theme are Blackbird Fly and I Heart Band. As always, my opinions reflect my own taste and are not necessarily indicative of how it will be received by kids.
November 5, 2020
It was an amazing book and i totally loved it
The description was so clear that it seemed as if I was there and seeing everything with my own eyes.
The touch of lyrics in between the chapters made it more wonderful
Specially
Everything was dark and tragic
In a world full of magic
And Teddy's the icing on the cake
How you like that, Ally Drake?
And that cute kiss of both of them was also heart touching
Will surely read the Right tract soon
The description was so clear that it seemed as if I was there and seeing everything with my own eyes.
The touch of lyrics in between the chapters made it more wonderful
Specially
Everything was dark and tragic
In a world full of magic
And Teddy's the icing on the cake
How you like that, Ally Drake?
And that cute kiss of both of them was also heart touching
Will surely read the Right tract soon
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2017
Not my usual kind of a book to read, however I persevered and found instances of enjoyment. I would imagine the book is aimed at the teenager and the 20-27 age groups. But it gives you an insight of the younger generations
February 12, 2020
The second book in this series was another winner. I love the characters and the positivity and the way this book is so reminiscent of great 80s novels. It's a shame the publisher isn't marketing these aggressively, because they would be a huge hit.
August 26, 2017
The story was good. Lark reminded me of the American Girl doll Tenney.
September 8, 2017
What a great YA novel. I loved it. I didn't read Book 1 and was a little worried I'd be lost. Thankfully, The High Note can be read as a stand alone.
November 11, 2020
I loved the high notes. I felt so good while reading it. It is the kind of book that I was in need of reading.
June 17, 2021
3.5/5 stars
- The love story is cute
- I am still not really in love with the characters but there not bad
- The love story is cute
- I am still not really in love with the characters but there not bad
September 29, 2023
I loved it
July 27, 2025
This novel was..okay at most. Sorry Harmoy Jones but I can't say I loved this book.
March 12, 2023
This was a nice easy read, this second book is better then the first one, still amid at middle grade reader. It’s good but not my thing.
March 9, 2019
Read and reviewed for School Library Journal (issue 2017-05-01):
Gr 5–8—This second installment of the series begins right on the heels of its predecessor, The Right Track, which is a necessary read to enjoy the sequel. Lark Campbell is still dealing with the everyday issues of middle school and with her home being taken over by budding British boy band Abbey Road, signed to her mom's record label, Lotus Records. But now her crush, Teddy, is in the group and her own budding singing career is taking off on YouTube. Lark is also still writing songs for the band. Seeing the difficulties of stardom firsthand through Teddy, Lark must decide if she wants to stay behind the scenes or take center stage. The cultural and ethnic backgrounds of most characters are not specified, with the exception of Lark's best friend Mimi, a budding video director and Lotus Records' media intern, who is Latina. A few problematic moments pepper the plot, such as when Lark and Teddy giggle at some girls ordering a slew of junk food and diet sodas and when rising country star Holly says that in order to keep the media's focus "on the music," she "doesn't prance around in skimpy little outfits." While many supporting characters are one-dimensional (such as mean girl Ally Drake) and the plot is semi-predictable, the cheerful wish fulfillment and chaste romance aspects of this series will likely hook many fans. VERDICT Purchase where the first title did well or where fans of Disney's Camp Rock and Hannah Montana reign supreme.
Gr 5–8—This second installment of the series begins right on the heels of its predecessor, The Right Track, which is a necessary read to enjoy the sequel. Lark Campbell is still dealing with the everyday issues of middle school and with her home being taken over by budding British boy band Abbey Road, signed to her mom's record label, Lotus Records. But now her crush, Teddy, is in the group and her own budding singing career is taking off on YouTube. Lark is also still writing songs for the band. Seeing the difficulties of stardom firsthand through Teddy, Lark must decide if she wants to stay behind the scenes or take center stage. The cultural and ethnic backgrounds of most characters are not specified, with the exception of Lark's best friend Mimi, a budding video director and Lotus Records' media intern, who is Latina. A few problematic moments pepper the plot, such as when Lark and Teddy giggle at some girls ordering a slew of junk food and diet sodas and when rising country star Holly says that in order to keep the media's focus "on the music," she "doesn't prance around in skimpy little outfits." While many supporting characters are one-dimensional (such as mean girl Ally Drake) and the plot is semi-predictable, the cheerful wish fulfillment and chaste romance aspects of this series will likely hook many fans. VERDICT Purchase where the first title did well or where fans of Disney's Camp Rock and Hannah Montana reign supreme.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews