Astrid and Apollo in Concert

Astrid and Apollo

by V.T. Bidania, Evelt Yanait (Illustrations)

Astrid and Apollo are chosen to play a duet in the third-grade recorder concert. They practice hard for weeks, but their little sister keeps getting in the way. She wants to play too! Then, on the night of the concert, it’s one disaster after another. What’s going on? And will they still be able to perform? Readers will love joining the twins on their adventures in this chapter book series about a Hmong Am

Genres: Cultural

64 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2021

Reviews

[Becky B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Astrid and Apollo are going to play a duet in their class recorder concert. They are practicing very hard, but their little sister Eliana keeps messing up their practices. Why is she doing that, and how far will she go?

I couldn't figure out how old Eliana is supposed to be. In some parts of the story they treat her like a toddler who can hardly talk, but in other parts she acts much older. Eliana does some very mean things and the twins apologize to her like it is their fault for not including her. Yes, that was why she was acting out, but it doesn't excuse her actions. I think this would have been a better plot for a longer book where it could have been fleshed out more, and they would have time to explore all the ins and outs. As it was done, I wasn't satisfied. The Hmong culture elements in this book in the series are more minimal than others, it just mentions some of the Hmong foods their mom makes for meals.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Astrid and Apollo are twins and they are excited to be able to play a duet together on their recorders at the school concert. With the concert a mere two weeks away, the siblings practice everyday and excitement builds for everyone in the family. Eliana is their baby sister who just wants to join in on their practices blowing on her party horn. As the twins need uninterrupted practice, Eliana gets left out.

I actually liked this story line better than the other Astrid and Apollo books until it got to the point where Eliana sabotages her siblings' big night. Eliana pulls three mean stunts on her siblings but she faces no consequences for them at all and actually is comforted and apologized to instead.