What do you think?
Rate this book
Candidly Cline
A must-read for fans of Julie Murphy and Ashley Herring Blake, this queer coming-of-age story from critically acclaimed author Kathryn Ormsbee sings with heart, warmth, and hope. An ALA Rainbow Book List selection! Born in Paris, Kentucky, and raised on her gram’s favorite country music, Cline Alden is a girl with big dreams and a heart full of song. When she finds out about a young musicians’ workshop a few towns over, Cline sweet-talks, saves, and maybe fibs her way into her first step toward musical stardom. But her big dreams never prepared her for the butterflies she feels surrounded by so many other talented kids—especially Sylvie, who gives Cline the type of butterflies she’s only ever heard about in love songs. As she learns to make music of her own, Cline begins to realize how much of herself she’s been holding back. But now, there’s a new song taking shape in her heart—if only she can find her voice and sing it. “Empowering, affirming, and sweet as all get-out.” —Lisa Jenn Bigelow, author of Drum Roll, Please
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2021
26 people are currently reading
2802 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Ormsbee
8 books275 followersKathryn Ormsbee is the author of contemporary novels for children and young adults, including Growing Pangs, Candidly Cline, and Tash Hearts Tolstoy.
Her books have been critically acclaimed, translated into eight languages, selected for the Indie Next List and Junior Library Guild, and made “best of” lists at NPR, Amazon, Kirkus, and the Chicago and New York Public Libraries. She lives with her wife in Texas.
Her books have been critically acclaimed, translated into eight languages, selected for the Indie Next List and Junior Library Guild, and made “best of” lists at NPR, Amazon, Kirkus, and the Chicago and New York Public Libraries. She lives with her wife in Texas.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
September 22, 2022
Where was this book when I was in "middle grade" years? Adolescent Angie would have really, really benefited from this story, so I'm so happy this exists today for kids like me who can read this novel and let it feed their souls.
Thank you, Cline Alden (and Kathryn Ormsbee)!
I don't really know how to review this book the way I normally would because I'm definitely not the intended audience for this story, but here's a bit of what you'll find inside:
- Unapologetically queer protagonist who's trying to figure out when the right time to come out is and who she can trust with this and other parts of herself.
- Protagonist who is trying to follow her dreams no matter how much is stacked against her and how many obstacles stand in her way. This includes a real look at socioeconomic obstacles as well.
- Positive affirmation that it's okay to be different
- Really great country music recommendations
- Diverse characters
- Cute first crush
- Few men to be found
Note: Be prepared for discussions and depictions of Alzheimer's.
It was by chance that I found this book, and I'm so happy I did. I'm thinking I need to read more middle grade books now.
Thank you, Cline Alden (and Kathryn Ormsbee)!
I don't really know how to review this book the way I normally would because I'm definitely not the intended audience for this story, but here's a bit of what you'll find inside:
- Unapologetically queer protagonist who's trying to figure out when the right time to come out is and who she can trust with this and other parts of herself.
- Protagonist who is trying to follow her dreams no matter how much is stacked against her and how many obstacles stand in her way. This includes a real look at socioeconomic obstacles as well.
- Positive affirmation that it's okay to be different
- Really great country music recommendations
- Diverse characters
- Cute first crush
- Few men to be found
Note: Be prepared for discussions and depictions of Alzheimer's.
It was by chance that I found this book, and I'm so happy I did. I'm thinking I need to read more middle grade books now.
November 14, 2021
I am obsessed with Cline Alden!
I absolutely loved this sapphic middle grade story from Kathryn Ormsbree, where thirteen year old Cline Alden wants to attend a music work shop to aid in her dreams of becoming a singer/songwriter. We follow her home life and everything she has to do to make her dreams come true.
...AND IT'S SAPPHIC!
5/5
I absolutely loved this sapphic middle grade story from Kathryn Ormsbree, where thirteen year old Cline Alden wants to attend a music work shop to aid in her dreams of becoming a singer/songwriter. We follow her home life and everything she has to do to make her dreams come true.
...AND IT'S SAPPHIC!
5/5
April 29, 2022
Rep: lesbian mc, bi li, Black side character, Chinese American side characters, side character with dementia
December 19, 2021
I just really love queer middle grade stories and books centered around music. Candidly Cline follows Cline, a 13 year old girl who wants to be a musician despite her mom’s disapproval. When an opportunity appears for her to attend a young songwriters workshop she decides to go in secret. There she gets paired up with Sylvie so they can write a song together. The friendship and eventual romantic feelings between the two girls were super sweet. I loved how they bonded over sharing their favorite songs and musicians with one another.
There is some heavier subject matter in the book, such as Cline’s grandma having Alzheimer's and homophobia from some side characters. But I think it was handled in a sensitive way. The book also touched on friendships changing as people grow up and how it feels to be let down by somebody. I did want a little bit more development of Cline's friends apart from her best friend Hollie. But overall this was a really sweet book.
There is some heavier subject matter in the book, such as Cline’s grandma having Alzheimer's and homophobia from some side characters. But I think it was handled in a sensitive way. The book also touched on friendships changing as people grow up and how it feels to be let down by somebody. I did want a little bit more development of Cline's friends apart from her best friend Hollie. But overall this was a really sweet book.
April 14, 2021
I read this sweet, music-laden book as an eARC from Edelweiss. Cline likes girls, but that's not the only important thing about her. First and foremost, Cline (named for Patsy Cline) is a musician. She has country music down in her bones, and she knows, just knows, that she has what it takes to make it. When a nearby university offers a workshop for young singer songwriters, Cline hopes that this will be her chance to prove herself. The only problem? The $300 dollar tuition, and the fact that her mother thinks that music is waste of time, and that Cline should be focused on a future that can pay the bills. This book tackles a lot - changing and evolving friendships, family financial troubles, varied religious views of the LGBTQ+ community, Alzheimer's - and does it all gracefully.
June 1, 2021
Review to come
January 22, 2023
This was a good read & def a book I wish middle school me had.
February 9, 2022
Wholesome, fun, spunky 🧡
Cline Louise Alden loves female country music with all her heart. But her mama doesn’t think that becoming a musician is practical so when an opportunity arises, she isn’t much of a help. With her Gram’s and lady in towns help, Cline takes a step toward her dreams… ✨
Oh my this book is so sunny. I loved every moment of it. I’m so glad I picked it up. It radiates love and acceptance. Cline is just so badass and real.
This is an awesome read. 💕☺️🌱
Cline Louise Alden loves female country music with all her heart. But her mama doesn’t think that becoming a musician is practical so when an opportunity arises, she isn’t much of a help. With her Gram’s and lady in towns help, Cline takes a step toward her dreams… ✨
Oh my this book is so sunny. I loved every moment of it. I’m so glad I picked it up. It radiates love and acceptance. Cline is just so badass and real.
This is an awesome read. 💕☺️🌱
May 18, 2021
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will release November 9, 2021.
"My musical dream feels delicate. Like, if I share it with too many people, it might dissolve in my hands."
Can I speak... candidly? This book is marvelous. From its front cover to its back, this book is chock full of love, determination, and careful handling of a range of issues that might be affecting its readers. And of course, the cover itself is cute as heck! All of these elements are combined beautifully to create Cline's story. I'm so glad I put off the two eARCs I have that come out a little sooner than this—I think I've found one of my new favorite middle grade books!
By the way, this review is a little spoilery, but I didn't want to hide all the spoilers either, because I don't think they really ruin anything. Still, proceed at your own risk.
When a waitress who works at the same diner Cline's mother works at gives Cline a flyer for a young songwriters' workshop, the question isn't if she's going to go—it's how will she come up with the money to afford it? Luckily, despite her mother's concerns about the low chances of stardom crushing her daughter's dreams and demands that she be practical, Cline has plenty of grit—and plenty of people who are willing to help her get there. Along the way, the author tackles financial struggles, friendship breakups, religion, crushes and Alzheimer's. With a list of topics like that, this book had the potential to be dragged down, but they were all effortlessly woven together, and it never felt heavy.
I won't go very in depth with all of the topics that the author juggles, but there are a few that I feel deserve special attention. The first is the great adults in Cline's life. Gram, who is beginning to suffer from Alzheimer's, spends a lot of time with Cline while her mother is working, and they share a deep love of music. One of the great joys of this book, actually, is every moment where Cline and Gram sing and dance together, reveling in their love of country music. She's the kind of grandma I'd like to have. Actually, I think she reminds me of mine, though I don't think mine would necessarily be as willing to conveniently not tell my mother I'm leaving town every Monday, unbeknownst to her. But still, mine would have helped with the workshop deposit, too! Delia, the waitress who gave Cline the flyer in the first place, helps out by giving her a ride to the campus every week. And Mrs. Yune, a woman that Cline meets while helping out in her friend's church's nursery... she is phenomenal. She comforts Cline after a quite frankly emotionally devastating moment, offers her sympathy and advice and understanding... and ultimately prevents her from quitting her dream. I truly can't get over how wonderful she is. And, ultimately (though she was testing me!) Cline's mother deserves to be called a good adult in her life for the way she's tirelessly worked to support Cline and Gram, even if I wish she hadn't been quite so quick to shut down Cline's dreams.
At one point while reading, I noted that Cline is a really great friend. Unfortunately... her friend, Hollie, doesn't remain one. This is for a whole passel of reasons that are tied together. The most significant is because Hollie, upon learning that Cline likes girls while at a church lock-in together, freaks out and makes a PUBLIC prayer request that she overcome this, basically. It's truly upsetting. (For reference, this was around page 114 in my eARC, near the beginning of chapter 18.) And I was INCENSED after Hollie did this, because Cline had already refrained from sharing her musical dreams with her BEST FRIEND because she didn't think she would understand, and she used the song she had written to tell her that she liked girls, in order to sympathize with Hollie's concern over crushes... Unfortunately, I know that this is absolutely something that could happen to a kid, and I was heartbroken for Cline. Friendship breakups are devastating, especially when it's a friendship of that length and when it happens at such a mixed-up and vulnerable time in your life, and so I'm glad to finally find a book that contains one, and one that is handled extremely well, at that. Ultimately, they don't make up. Cline, while still hurt, is the bigger person and forgives Hollie, but she also stands up for herself and tells Hollie that she was wrong to treat her that way at the lock-in. That encounter made me a little shaky, but I was so proud of Cline for having the final word there and being strong for herself.
Actually, the whole subject of religion is dealt with really well, too, and this is where we bring Mrs. Yune back into the review. Cline shows a lot of uncertainty about religion early on, saying that the idea of someone watching her and living forever freaks her out. Same, girl. I felt that the entire lock-in segment, where Cline attends with Hollie and her church friends (chapters 17 & 18) was handled well, but what was even better was when Mrs. Yune sat down with Cline after she ran out and had a discussion with her about her own religious beliefs, at the beginning of chapter 19. She very explicitly says that she disagrees with the youth pastor and that she believes in a God who loves everyone and tells Cline that there is nothing wrong with her. Mrs. Yune also lets her know that it's possible that someday Hollie may see that she's wrong, but in the meantime she doesn't need to accept that treatment. I just... growing up Catholic, I wish I had seen this attitude more, because it's the right one to have.
And now the crushes, my goodness. While there is only one, and it starts off rocky, it ends up being painfully sweet. From getting to know each other by writing song lists, to collaborating on a song for their workshop, to being too shy to talk about the fact that one of them included a romantic line about a girl in their song (Cline) and one of them didn't comment that they should change it (Sylvie). I felt like it was a pretty realistic interpretation of having a crush at thirteen, not that I remember that all that well. Sylvie is cool, and the relationship develops organically, with perfect amounts of shyness and cuteness. There's a great Halloween moment at the end of the book that made me smile so big. As a side note, I also loved that the author portrayed Cline as generally secure in the fact that she likes girls, but that she at the same time showed hesitancy in coming out to her family and others. It could be due to the setting of the book, or borne out of the pain she felt after the way Hollie treated her, or just being a little unsure about telling her mother and Gram, but regardless of the reason Cline decides to wait to come out, I really appreciate that she decides for herself that she wants to wait until she feels comfortable sharing this important piece of her life. Maybe I'm not reading enough middle grade (and I've definitely been upping my consumption of this age category over the last year), but up until now I don't think I've read a book with a young character who's queer but also has the agency and desire to temporarily keep it to herself, and I think it's just as important for kids to see that you can be and share facets of yourself in your own time.
I want to say so much more to you about this book, but instead I'll merely say this:
I hope that when Candidly Cline releases this November, there's a big, bright spotlight on it. It deserves to stand out—for music, which is what Cline would want, and for everything else.
"My musical dream feels delicate. Like, if I share it with too many people, it might dissolve in my hands."
Can I speak... candidly? This book is marvelous. From its front cover to its back, this book is chock full of love, determination, and careful handling of a range of issues that might be affecting its readers. And of course, the cover itself is cute as heck! All of these elements are combined beautifully to create Cline's story. I'm so glad I put off the two eARCs I have that come out a little sooner than this—I think I've found one of my new favorite middle grade books!
By the way, this review is a little spoilery, but I didn't want to hide all the spoilers either, because I don't think they really ruin anything. Still, proceed at your own risk.
When a waitress who works at the same diner Cline's mother works at gives Cline a flyer for a young songwriters' workshop, the question isn't if she's going to go—it's how will she come up with the money to afford it? Luckily, despite her mother's concerns about the low chances of stardom crushing her daughter's dreams and demands that she be practical, Cline has plenty of grit—and plenty of people who are willing to help her get there. Along the way, the author tackles financial struggles, friendship breakups, religion, crushes and Alzheimer's. With a list of topics like that, this book had the potential to be dragged down, but they were all effortlessly woven together, and it never felt heavy.
I won't go very in depth with all of the topics that the author juggles, but there are a few that I feel deserve special attention. The first is the great adults in Cline's life. Gram, who is beginning to suffer from Alzheimer's, spends a lot of time with Cline while her mother is working, and they share a deep love of music. One of the great joys of this book, actually, is every moment where Cline and Gram sing and dance together, reveling in their love of country music. She's the kind of grandma I'd like to have. Actually, I think she reminds me of mine, though I don't think mine would necessarily be as willing to conveniently not tell my mother I'm leaving town every Monday, unbeknownst to her. But still, mine would have helped with the workshop deposit, too! Delia, the waitress who gave Cline the flyer in the first place, helps out by giving her a ride to the campus every week. And Mrs. Yune, a woman that Cline meets while helping out in her friend's church's nursery... she is phenomenal. She comforts Cline after a quite frankly emotionally devastating moment, offers her sympathy and advice and understanding... and ultimately prevents her from quitting her dream. I truly can't get over how wonderful she is. And, ultimately (though she was testing me!) Cline's mother deserves to be called a good adult in her life for the way she's tirelessly worked to support Cline and Gram, even if I wish she hadn't been quite so quick to shut down Cline's dreams.
At one point while reading, I noted that Cline is a really great friend. Unfortunately... her friend, Hollie, doesn't remain one. This is for a whole passel of reasons that are tied together. The most significant is because Hollie, upon learning that Cline likes girls while at a church lock-in together, freaks out and makes a PUBLIC prayer request that she overcome this, basically. It's truly upsetting. (For reference, this was around page 114 in my eARC, near the beginning of chapter 18.) And I was INCENSED after Hollie did this, because Cline had already refrained from sharing her musical dreams with her BEST FRIEND because she didn't think she would understand, and she used the song she had written to tell her that she liked girls, in order to sympathize with Hollie's concern over crushes... Unfortunately, I know that this is absolutely something that could happen to a kid, and I was heartbroken for Cline. Friendship breakups are devastating, especially when it's a friendship of that length and when it happens at such a mixed-up and vulnerable time in your life, and so I'm glad to finally find a book that contains one, and one that is handled extremely well, at that. Ultimately, they don't make up. Cline, while still hurt, is the bigger person and forgives Hollie, but she also stands up for herself and tells Hollie that she was wrong to treat her that way at the lock-in. That encounter made me a little shaky, but I was so proud of Cline for having the final word there and being strong for herself.
Actually, the whole subject of religion is dealt with really well, too, and this is where we bring Mrs. Yune back into the review. Cline shows a lot of uncertainty about religion early on, saying that the idea of someone watching her and living forever freaks her out. Same, girl. I felt that the entire lock-in segment, where Cline attends with Hollie and her church friends (chapters 17 & 18) was handled well, but what was even better was when Mrs. Yune sat down with Cline after she ran out and had a discussion with her about her own religious beliefs, at the beginning of chapter 19. She very explicitly says that she disagrees with the youth pastor and that she believes in a God who loves everyone and tells Cline that there is nothing wrong with her. Mrs. Yune also lets her know that it's possible that someday Hollie may see that she's wrong, but in the meantime she doesn't need to accept that treatment. I just... growing up Catholic, I wish I had seen this attitude more, because it's the right one to have.
And now the crushes, my goodness. While there is only one, and it starts off rocky, it ends up being painfully sweet. From getting to know each other by writing song lists, to collaborating on a song for their workshop, to being too shy to talk about the fact that one of them included a romantic line about a girl in their song (Cline) and one of them didn't comment that they should change it (Sylvie). I felt like it was a pretty realistic interpretation of having a crush at thirteen, not that I remember that all that well. Sylvie is cool, and the relationship develops organically, with perfect amounts of shyness and cuteness. There's a great Halloween moment at the end of the book that made me smile so big. As a side note, I also loved that the author portrayed Cline as generally secure in the fact that she likes girls, but that she at the same time showed hesitancy in coming out to her family and others. It could be due to the setting of the book, or borne out of the pain she felt after the way Hollie treated her, or just being a little unsure about telling her mother and Gram, but regardless of the reason Cline decides to wait to come out, I really appreciate that she decides for herself that she wants to wait until she feels comfortable sharing this important piece of her life. Maybe I'm not reading enough middle grade (and I've definitely been upping my consumption of this age category over the last year), but up until now I don't think I've read a book with a young character who's queer but also has the agency and desire to temporarily keep it to herself, and I think it's just as important for kids to see that you can be and share facets of yourself in your own time.
I want to say so much more to you about this book, but instead I'll merely say this:
I hope that when Candidly Cline releases this November, there's a big, bright spotlight on it. It deserves to stand out—for music, which is what Cline would want, and for everything else.
November 21, 2021
What a great, heartfelt book. This middle grade novel centers on Cline, a country music loving singer/songwriter who wants to do what she can to live her dream, even if her mom doesn't understand. Through the book Cline learns about herself, who she can count on, what's really been happening in her family for the past few years and how music affects her whole life. I'm not a fan of country music (can't stand it actually) but the book is no worse to me for it. This young teen's story is so sweet and earnest you have to cheer for her even when she's doing something wrong.
August 25, 2025
Really sweet. Always had parts that you sometimes could see coming but it was amazing and I read absolutely read it again
November 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. Picked it up after reading Turning Twelve and being really impressed with how real the characters felt...and this was very much the same even though Turning Twelve was a graphic novel and this was not. Cline was SO relatable and I think this is a great book for older middle grade or YA readers about being yourself, pursuing your dreams, and surrounding yourself with people who support you. There were a few scenes that made me tear up and I flat out cried at one point when a character does something really nice for Cline in a pay it forward type moment. I would recommend this one both for the intended audience and adults too...I think they would enjoy this (I certainly did).
Read
July 8, 2023This was such a cute sapphic music focused middle grade. It really had that crossover between Nicole Melleby and Ashley Herring Blake for me. It was adorable while also having some heavier themes but it's heart it's story about two girls who just want to play music.
January 23, 2022
Popsugar #5 - Sapphic book
May 28, 2022
YA novel about a 13 yr old girl.. I am a sucker for this kind of book so only 3 stars?..take it for what its worth
November 11, 2022
5 million stars. This book is just darling.
July 24, 2024
it was a really good book
March 13, 2022
A book about a queer girl who loves music and has a big heart. What could be better than that? Cline Alden will stay in my heart for a very long time.
June 7, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of Candidly Cline!!
This book. I would’ve absolutely devoured this book as a kid and I loved it just as much as an adult.
I really love and appreciate that this story isn’t about Cline figuring out her sexuality, but instead, it’s just something she knows. There’s plenty of books about kids struggling to figure that out, and that makes this story all the more important because it’s rare and wonderful. Cline knows who she is in a way that only an innocent and optimistic kid supported by the greatest grandma in the world can and she never wavers in that. Cline not only knows who she is, but what she wants and what she values, and nothing can stop her.
I also enjoyed how well-developed each of Cline’s relationships were and how different each one was. I loved her relationship with Gran, and I adored Sylvie. I wish I was as cool as Sylvie, wow.
Overall, I didn’t expect to fall in love with this book as much as did, but now that I’m done, I’m going to miss these characters!
This book. I would’ve absolutely devoured this book as a kid and I loved it just as much as an adult.
I really love and appreciate that this story isn’t about Cline figuring out her sexuality, but instead, it’s just something she knows. There’s plenty of books about kids struggling to figure that out, and that makes this story all the more important because it’s rare and wonderful. Cline knows who she is in a way that only an innocent and optimistic kid supported by the greatest grandma in the world can and she never wavers in that. Cline not only knows who she is, but what she wants and what she values, and nothing can stop her.
I also enjoyed how well-developed each of Cline’s relationships were and how different each one was. I loved her relationship with Gran, and I adored Sylvie. I wish I was as cool as Sylvie, wow.
Overall, I didn’t expect to fall in love with this book as much as did, but now that I’m done, I’m going to miss these characters!
February 10, 2025
2.7.2025--reread: super sweet, nice chill read 💗 keep working for ur dreams cline
i do think it would've been cool tho to see the end product of cline and sylvie's song!
I LOVED this book soo much!!! It was really good and inspired me to write my 3rd song on the piano! When Cline was learning about different music theories like the Circle of Fifths, I kept thinking to myself "I know that!" because my piano teacher had taught me many of those concepts. All in all, this was an awesome read that really fit my personality. Definitely reccomend!
i do think it would've been cool tho to see the end product of cline and sylvie's song!
I LOVED this book soo much!!! It was really good and inspired me to write my 3rd song on the piano! When Cline was learning about different music theories like the Circle of Fifths, I kept thinking to myself "I know that!" because my piano teacher had taught me many of those concepts. All in all, this was an awesome read that really fit my personality. Definitely reccomend!
January 2, 2024
Very cute and rooted in reality with a good boost of optimism mixed in.
July 12, 2021
3.5-3.75/5 stars!
Wow! This book was GREAT. I loved so much how it approached topics such as friendship breakups, coming out, Alzheimer's, grief, poverty, and distant parents in a way which was easily-approachable for children. The writing style, while too expository for me, was detailed and flowed well, even if it did fall into the pitfalls of un-varied sentence structures at times, which is endemic of first-person middle grade and YA fiction, in my opinion (i.e., "I" + verb). The forward momentum of the story was also bogged down at times by the author stopping to dwell on descriptions, instead of threading them more naturally within the story. It would stop and amble on the cul-de-sac of long descriptions (e.g., "she had a long ponytail and she played band and..." versus "she pulled her hair back into her customary long ponytail"). I also wish Cline's DMS friends were involved more on-page, and also other named characters, such as Veronica. When Veronica chided(?) Cline as being "precious," I assumed we'd see more of her, but we didn't. It also took me a bit to see Cline as her own three-dimensional character, to fully understand her motivations besides loving music, but by the end I was enraptured by her story.
With that said, this is an extremely important book for kids, about following your dreams, family, crushes, and being comfortable with yourself. I LOVED how the relationship between Cline and her Gram was depicted. It made me long so much for my Gramma, who had such a hand in raising me while my own mother worked long hours. The relationship was so perfect. I also can't speak enough about how much I loved Cline's character arc: her growth, how clear it was that she became more mature by the end, her final encounter with her former friend, her understanding that choosing when to come out is a personal choice. I also love so much how the women in Cline's life rallied around her and supported her. This is such an important book with so much heart. I cried so many times, so much so that my coworker had to bring me tissues at one point. What I also love is that, sometimes when I'm reading middle grade fiction, the narration can't quite get the voice of a child quite right. It sometimes sounds too old or too young. Here, it's so clear that Cline is a child coming of age. So, so, so well done. I also love how clear Cline and Sylvie's voices were and I loved loved loved their interactions. It tugged at my heart. I remember what it was like when I was 13, having my first crush on the first girl I ever liked. I also cannot emphasize enough how much I LOVE the culmination of Cline's growth, when she had her final conversation with her former friend. Wow.
Again, to emphasize: the relationship between Cline and her Gram was amazing. It reminded me so much of my relationship with my own Gramma, the support and unconditional love. It's a testament to the strength of the writing that I felt so connected to them as characters, as well as to their bond with one another. The ending, what Cline says about memory, just punched me right in the heart. I also love the depiction of a three-generation household without a man present. When Jocelyn asked Cline if her "parents forgot the money," I winced with Cline at the assumption. The "Alden ladies!"
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing an ARC. I absolutely loved reading this and will definitely order it for my library. As a children's librarian, I am surrounded all day by middle-grade fiction but it never truly appealed to me as something I would read for my own pleasure outside of work. Books such as this one have convinced me that I am so wrong; middle grade fiction is just as important and stirring as adult. Thank you so much to this book and others to help me realize this; it reflects the power this book has. Cline's journey and growth are so important. I'm so glad I was able to read this, and I can't wait to share her story with the children in my library!
TW for homophobia (especially chapters 17-18; I couldn't even bring myself to fully read these parts and had to skim), religious homophobia, and death of a parent (off-screen, happened before the start of the story)
Wow! This book was GREAT. I loved so much how it approached topics such as friendship breakups, coming out, Alzheimer's, grief, poverty, and distant parents in a way which was easily-approachable for children. The writing style, while too expository for me, was detailed and flowed well, even if it did fall into the pitfalls of un-varied sentence structures at times, which is endemic of first-person middle grade and YA fiction, in my opinion (i.e., "I" + verb). The forward momentum of the story was also bogged down at times by the author stopping to dwell on descriptions, instead of threading them more naturally within the story. It would stop and amble on the cul-de-sac of long descriptions (e.g., "she had a long ponytail and she played band and..." versus "she pulled her hair back into her customary long ponytail"). I also wish Cline's DMS friends were involved more on-page, and also other named characters, such as Veronica. When Veronica chided(?) Cline as being "precious," I assumed we'd see more of her, but we didn't. It also took me a bit to see Cline as her own three-dimensional character, to fully understand her motivations besides loving music, but by the end I was enraptured by her story.
With that said, this is an extremely important book for kids, about following your dreams, family, crushes, and being comfortable with yourself. I LOVED how the relationship between Cline and her Gram was depicted. It made me long so much for my Gramma, who had such a hand in raising me while my own mother worked long hours. The relationship was so perfect. I also can't speak enough about how much I loved Cline's character arc: her growth, how clear it was that she became more mature by the end, her final encounter with her former friend, her understanding that choosing when to come out is a personal choice. I also love so much how the women in Cline's life rallied around her and supported her. This is such an important book with so much heart. I cried so many times, so much so that my coworker had to bring me tissues at one point. What I also love is that, sometimes when I'm reading middle grade fiction, the narration can't quite get the voice of a child quite right. It sometimes sounds too old or too young. Here, it's so clear that Cline is a child coming of age. So, so, so well done. I also love how clear Cline and Sylvie's voices were and I loved loved loved their interactions. It tugged at my heart. I remember what it was like when I was 13, having my first crush on the first girl I ever liked. I also cannot emphasize enough how much I LOVE the culmination of Cline's growth, when she had her final conversation with her former friend. Wow.
Again, to emphasize: the relationship between Cline and her Gram was amazing. It reminded me so much of my relationship with my own Gramma, the support and unconditional love. It's a testament to the strength of the writing that I felt so connected to them as characters, as well as to their bond with one another. The ending, what Cline says about memory, just punched me right in the heart. I also love the depiction of a three-generation household without a man present. When Jocelyn asked Cline if her "parents forgot the money," I winced with Cline at the assumption. The "Alden ladies!"
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing an ARC. I absolutely loved reading this and will definitely order it for my library. As a children's librarian, I am surrounded all day by middle-grade fiction but it never truly appealed to me as something I would read for my own pleasure outside of work. Books such as this one have convinced me that I am so wrong; middle grade fiction is just as important and stirring as adult. Thank you so much to this book and others to help me realize this; it reflects the power this book has. Cline's journey and growth are so important. I'm so glad I was able to read this, and I can't wait to share her story with the children in my library!
TW for homophobia (especially chapters 17-18; I couldn't even bring myself to fully read these parts and had to skim), religious homophobia, and death of a parent (off-screen, happened before the start of the story)
May 10, 2021
Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley for providing an advance e-proof, in exchange for an honest review.
Candidly Cline, by Kathryn Ormsbee, is the first middle-grade LGBTQIA novel I have ever read, and its very existence delights me. Young kids who are just becoming aware of their own sexuality need to see themselves represented in fiction. That the author dedicated the book to her wife adds a little extra bit of authenticity—this is an Own Voices book.
Cline (named for Patsy) is an aspiring singer-songwriter who lives with her mother and grandmother and attends middle school in Kentucky. She adores country music, but doesn’t have her family’s full support behind following her dream. Her mother works hard as a waitress to support the family, and is pragmatic about whether it’s possible to make a living as a musician. Her grandmother adores Cline and her music…and is beginning to suffer from a bit of dementia.
When she finds out about a songwriting workshop for students, she knows she has to attend—and we soon learn how far she’ll go to make it happen. Her journey to the workshop is filled with both roadblocks—and unexpected support.
Cline knows she likes girls, and as her friends at school become interested in boys, this creates new challenges, particularly after she comes out to her best friend. Fortunately, she still has her music. But will she and her partner be able to work together? And will she be able to complete the workshop?
A realistic portrayal of the roller coaster that is middle school, the struggles of a loving family, and the importance of the arts in education, to a country western soundtrack that just might include a queer first love story!
Candidly Cline, by Kathryn Ormsbee, is the first middle-grade LGBTQIA novel I have ever read, and its very existence delights me. Young kids who are just becoming aware of their own sexuality need to see themselves represented in fiction. That the author dedicated the book to her wife adds a little extra bit of authenticity—this is an Own Voices book.
Cline (named for Patsy) is an aspiring singer-songwriter who lives with her mother and grandmother and attends middle school in Kentucky. She adores country music, but doesn’t have her family’s full support behind following her dream. Her mother works hard as a waitress to support the family, and is pragmatic about whether it’s possible to make a living as a musician. Her grandmother adores Cline and her music…and is beginning to suffer from a bit of dementia.
When she finds out about a songwriting workshop for students, she knows she has to attend—and we soon learn how far she’ll go to make it happen. Her journey to the workshop is filled with both roadblocks—and unexpected support.
Cline knows she likes girls, and as her friends at school become interested in boys, this creates new challenges, particularly after she comes out to her best friend. Fortunately, she still has her music. But will she and her partner be able to work together? And will she be able to complete the workshop?
A realistic portrayal of the roller coaster that is middle school, the struggles of a loving family, and the importance of the arts in education, to a country western soundtrack that just might include a queer first love story!
August 7, 2022
A great coming of age book for middle school readers. It touches on how friendships change and how families keep secrets, how dreams are chased and how sometimes, just sometimes, we need to risk failing in order to climb higher.
Cline is a thirteen-year-old young woman with big dreams and a complex home life. She has secrets bottled up inside her just itching to break free. A home life with a struggling single mother and grandmother with Alzheimer's keeps Cline tethered to the ground until she is given a little boost through a flyer advertising a singer-songwriter workshop. The challenge? Two-fold: it costs more money than her family can afford, and its a drive away at the University of Kentucky. Her mom tells her no, but Cline's heart won't let go of the dream. Thanks in large part to a village of support (sometimes in surprising places) as well as her own grit, Cline gets accepted, attends and find a way to release all those secrets she's been keeping-including the fact that she is attracted to other girls.
Through the singer-songwriter workshop, Cline finds the courage to speak her truth, which doesn't always go the way she planned. Despite this, she learns more about herself, her family and her friends.
I appreciated Cline's perspective and as a middle school teacher, the trials and tribulations revolving around friendships at this age was on point. I am really liking how there are more and more LGBTQ+ offerings for students at this age. It is the time where many of my students begin thinking about who they are and books like Candidly Cline have an important role to play in offering all students representations of all human relationships.
Cline is a thirteen-year-old young woman with big dreams and a complex home life. She has secrets bottled up inside her just itching to break free. A home life with a struggling single mother and grandmother with Alzheimer's keeps Cline tethered to the ground until she is given a little boost through a flyer advertising a singer-songwriter workshop. The challenge? Two-fold: it costs more money than her family can afford, and its a drive away at the University of Kentucky. Her mom tells her no, but Cline's heart won't let go of the dream. Thanks in large part to a village of support (sometimes in surprising places) as well as her own grit, Cline gets accepted, attends and find a way to release all those secrets she's been keeping-including the fact that she is attracted to other girls.
Through the singer-songwriter workshop, Cline finds the courage to speak her truth, which doesn't always go the way she planned. Despite this, she learns more about herself, her family and her friends.
I appreciated Cline's perspective and as a middle school teacher, the trials and tribulations revolving around friendships at this age was on point. I am really liking how there are more and more LGBTQ+ offerings for students at this age. It is the time where many of my students begin thinking about who they are and books like Candidly Cline have an important role to play in offering all students representations of all human relationships.
January 22, 2022
What an emotional read. Candidly Cline is about an 8th grader living in Paris, Kentucky who dreams about being a musician. But her mom thinks music is a waste of time and money. When Cline gets a chance to take a songwriters workshop class at the university of Kentucky she knows she needs to figure out a way to make it happen, even if that means going behind her mother's back.
But the writers workshop feels like the only place she can truly be herself, a queer girl growing up in the south that loves bluegrass music. There she can finally write lines about her crushes being girls and the complicated feelings she has.
What a beautiful LGBT middle school book that takes place in Paris and Lexington KY that talks about how hard it is to find yourself and how hard it is to tell your friends and family what is in your soul. This book is also about friendship and how hard it can be to share parts of yourself with others.
Cline loves bluegrass music but is afraid her friends in school won't respect or get her musical tastes. Will they make fun of her dream to be a singer?
Clines grandmother has also been recently diagnosed with alzheimers and she doesn't know how to feel about it. Her grandmother doesn't look sick she just forgets now and then.
I loved this book with every part of my being and can't wait to book talk it at the middle school.
But the writers workshop feels like the only place she can truly be herself, a queer girl growing up in the south that loves bluegrass music. There she can finally write lines about her crushes being girls and the complicated feelings she has.
What a beautiful LGBT middle school book that takes place in Paris and Lexington KY that talks about how hard it is to find yourself and how hard it is to tell your friends and family what is in your soul. This book is also about friendship and how hard it can be to share parts of yourself with others.
Cline loves bluegrass music but is afraid her friends in school won't respect or get her musical tastes. Will they make fun of her dream to be a singer?
Clines grandmother has also been recently diagnosed with alzheimers and she doesn't know how to feel about it. Her grandmother doesn't look sick she just forgets now and then.
I loved this book with every part of my being and can't wait to book talk it at the middle school.
April 6, 2023
To echo other users on Goodreads, Candidly Cline is a book I think junior high me would have gobbled up. Ormsbee is able to put together a story that shares her love for old school country that's engaging from the jump. Cline's voice is inviting and easy to root for, and I think she was able to tackle all the subplots here with the poise her YA material has. The couple of open-ended plot points here also worked. It's up to us, the readers, to envision where we think Cline could go next. Her relationship with her family, a potential church community, and potential romantic feelings for Sylvie progressed naturally. Most of my questions were answered. To the ones that weren't, Ormsbee provided enough to keep me thinking.
The All is Lost moment was a little too heavy-handed for me, and there were a couple characters I feel lacked page time (Hollie's youth group friends) in order to turn this book from a great read to an amazing one. That said, I still finished this book in two days, and Ormsbee has never let me down with her protagonists or her plots. I'm glad to see her middle grade readership is just as enriched by her stories. Despite being marketed to kids ages 8-12, junior high and early high school readers shouldn't feel left out given Cline's 13. Ormsbee fans and queer readers of all ages should check this book out.
The All is Lost moment was a little too heavy-handed for me, and there were a couple characters I feel lacked page time (Hollie's youth group friends) in order to turn this book from a great read to an amazing one. That said, I still finished this book in two days, and Ormsbee has never let me down with her protagonists or her plots. I'm glad to see her middle grade readership is just as enriched by her stories. Despite being marketed to kids ages 8-12, junior high and early high school readers shouldn't feel left out given Cline's 13. Ormsbee fans and queer readers of all ages should check this book out.
October 29, 2021
When a girl's song-writing dreams start to come true, she has to decide how much of her truth to put in her song lyrics, including the fact that she likes girls romantically.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review.
From the plucky protagonist who won't give up on her dreams, to the complex mother-daughter relationship, to the sweet glimpse of first love between two confidently queer young people--there is a lot to love in this middle grade novel. At the start of the book, Cline already knows she likes girls romantically--and that's just who she is--but questions of tolerance, how and when to come out (and to whom), and emotional safety run throughout the story. Queer tweens will resonate with and take courage from Cline's experiences, especially the encouragement she gets from allies to take care of her own mental health and take the distance she needs from hateful people and institutions, and all readers will root for her in her relentless pursuit of her artistic dreams. A must-buy for library collections, I highly recommend this novel to all middle grade contemporary fiction fans and to middle grade book clubs.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in order to write this review.
From the plucky protagonist who won't give up on her dreams, to the complex mother-daughter relationship, to the sweet glimpse of first love between two confidently queer young people--there is a lot to love in this middle grade novel. At the start of the book, Cline already knows she likes girls romantically--and that's just who she is--but questions of tolerance, how and when to come out (and to whom), and emotional safety run throughout the story. Queer tweens will resonate with and take courage from Cline's experiences, especially the encouragement she gets from allies to take care of her own mental health and take the distance she needs from hateful people and institutions, and all readers will root for her in her relentless pursuit of her artistic dreams. A must-buy for library collections, I highly recommend this novel to all middle grade contemporary fiction fans and to middle grade book clubs.
July 22, 2021
Cline Louise Arden dreams of being the next Emmylou Harris, but her hardworking, but stubborn mom, who waits tables to put food on the table and pay for Gram's Alzheimer's medicine, constantly reminds Cline that music doesn't pay the bills.
When Cline has an opportunity to attend a Young Musician and Songwriters Workshop, she is not surprised when her mom says no! But a determined Cline puts a plan in action and has no idea that the consequences of her action will put her on a path to disappointing her mom, losing her best friend, and auditioning with her new songwriting partner (and potential crush) for a spot at a local music festival.
Along the way Cline learns that she has the support of others including her Gram and a kind lady she meets at a local church who helps Cline and encourages her to pay it forward!
Will Cline's mom come around when she finds out just how important Cline's dream is and how talented she is?
Check out "Candidly Cline" and find out...you won't be disappointed!
When Cline has an opportunity to attend a Young Musician and Songwriters Workshop, she is not surprised when her mom says no! But a determined Cline puts a plan in action and has no idea that the consequences of her action will put her on a path to disappointing her mom, losing her best friend, and auditioning with her new songwriting partner (and potential crush) for a spot at a local music festival.
Along the way Cline learns that she has the support of others including her Gram and a kind lady she meets at a local church who helps Cline and encourages her to pay it forward!
Will Cline's mom come around when she finds out just how important Cline's dream is and how talented she is?
Check out "Candidly Cline" and find out...you won't be disappointed!
October 29, 2021
This book is a warm hug and an inspiration and should be read by everyone!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!
I can't tell you how excited I was to be approved for this title on Netgalley. Kathryn Ormsbee is the author I have to thank for realizing my own sexuality with the release of Tash Hearts Tolstoy. While this book is different from that work in many different ways, it still presents a beautiful message of being yourself and pursuing your dreams.
Cline is a musician with grandiose dreams, a hardworking mother, a grandmother who believes in her but has her own struggles, and friends who may not understand her passion for music or the reason why she doesn't want to go to the dance with a boy. She's a strong character, incredibly lovable and real as she takes a step towards realizing her dreams of being a singer/songwriter.
This book handles the topic of sexuality and religious opinions on it in a way that is powerful. Religious trauma is a real thing that many LGBTQ+ people have to struggle with, but seems to be underrepresented in novels that handle the subject of sexuality. The fact that this is in a book for young teens makes it even more important.
I loved Candidly Cline so much, and I hope everyone is able to give this book a chance!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC!
I can't tell you how excited I was to be approved for this title on Netgalley. Kathryn Ormsbee is the author I have to thank for realizing my own sexuality with the release of Tash Hearts Tolstoy. While this book is different from that work in many different ways, it still presents a beautiful message of being yourself and pursuing your dreams.
Cline is a musician with grandiose dreams, a hardworking mother, a grandmother who believes in her but has her own struggles, and friends who may not understand her passion for music or the reason why she doesn't want to go to the dance with a boy. She's a strong character, incredibly lovable and real as she takes a step towards realizing her dreams of being a singer/songwriter.
This book handles the topic of sexuality and religious opinions on it in a way that is powerful. Religious trauma is a real thing that many LGBTQ+ people have to struggle with, but seems to be underrepresented in novels that handle the subject of sexuality. The fact that this is in a book for young teens makes it even more important.
I loved Candidly Cline so much, and I hope everyone is able to give this book a chance!
July 5, 2021
Candidly Cline
by Kathryn Ormsbee
HarperCollins Children's Books
HarperCollins
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
Pub Date 09 Nov 2021
Born in Paris Kentucky, Cline Alden was raised on her Gram’s favorite country music. She’s a girl with big dreams, as well as a heart full of song.
When she finds out about a young musicians’ workshop a few towns over, Cline sweet-talks, saves, and maybe fibs her way into her first step toward musical stardom. But her big dreams never prepared her for the butterflies she feels surrounded by so many other talented kids especially Sylvie.
As Cline learns to make music of her own she also starts to realize how much she’s holding back. But now, there’s a new song taking shape in her heart—if only she can find her voice and sing it.
I give Candidly Cline three out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Kathryn Ormsbee
HarperCollins Children's Books
HarperCollins
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade
Pub Date 09 Nov 2021
Born in Paris Kentucky, Cline Alden was raised on her Gram’s favorite country music. She’s a girl with big dreams, as well as a heart full of song.
When she finds out about a young musicians’ workshop a few towns over, Cline sweet-talks, saves, and maybe fibs her way into her first step toward musical stardom. But her big dreams never prepared her for the butterflies she feels surrounded by so many other talented kids especially Sylvie.
As Cline learns to make music of her own she also starts to realize how much she’s holding back. But now, there’s a new song taking shape in her heart—if only she can find her voice and sing it.
I give Candidly Cline three out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews