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Choir Grrrl
Thirteen-year-old Alondra was born into a musical family.
Her dad, the former frontman of a famous alt-rock band, expects her and her sisters to follow in his footsteps. The girls have formed their own band, which will open for their dad during his comeback tour.
Despite secretly liking quieter music, Alondra is committed to preparing for the tour. She’ll do whatever it Change the sound of her voice. Suppress her discomfort with some fans’ behavior. Act the part of a hardcore riot grrrl.
But when a classmate invites her to join a choir club, Alondra discovers a new way of making music. Choir lets her express herself in ways that the band doesn’t.
Afraid to upset the delicate balance in her family, Alondra secretly practices with the choir between shows with her sisters’ band―until her secrets are exposed. Will she be forced to choose between her two voices, or can she bring the different parts of her life into harmony?
Her dad, the former frontman of a famous alt-rock band, expects her and her sisters to follow in his footsteps. The girls have formed their own band, which will open for their dad during his comeback tour.
Despite secretly liking quieter music, Alondra is committed to preparing for the tour. She’ll do whatever it Change the sound of her voice. Suppress her discomfort with some fans’ behavior. Act the part of a hardcore riot grrrl.
But when a classmate invites her to join a choir club, Alondra discovers a new way of making music. Choir lets her express herself in ways that the band doesn’t.
Afraid to upset the delicate balance in her family, Alondra secretly practices with the choir between shows with her sisters’ band―until her secrets are exposed. Will she be forced to choose between her two voices, or can she bring the different parts of her life into harmony?
- GenresMiddle GradeContemporary
336 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
2 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 9, 2025
1.5
Content:
Language: Nothing that I remember
LGBTQ: a kid has two dads, one kid is non-binary and is referred to as they/them.
Girl tells people she is ace and aromatic. She doesn’t want to assume people’s gender.
Girl calls sister “demon”
Tarot cards
Girl calls people sexist. She is 10!
There is a lot about the girls talking about how the music field they are in is dominated by men and how everyone is against them. True there are more men in the emo field but all the girls in this do is complain! They yell at people and gripe and complain about how no one respects them because they are women. If you’re going to put that in a kids book, why is it always just people complaining?
The parents get divorced and fight a lot. It causes a lot of problems between the kids.
One of the sisters is absolutely awful! She is a bully to her older sister and manipulated her younger sister in obeying her. She’s is 10 years old! No 10 year old acts like that.
I did like the music and the choir aspect of it. It was cool with all the music technical terms.
So I can’t recommend this and before people come at me for it, why do young girls need to be taught to hate men? Because that is literally all this is about. The girls just complain about men all the time and in reality, do very little to solve their problems.
So yeah, do not recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
Content:
Language: Nothing that I remember
LGBTQ: a kid has two dads, one kid is non-binary and is referred to as they/them.
Girl tells people she is ace and aromatic. She doesn’t want to assume people’s gender.
Girl calls sister “demon”
Tarot cards
Girl calls people sexist. She is 10!
There is a lot about the girls talking about how the music field they are in is dominated by men and how everyone is against them. True there are more men in the emo field but all the girls in this do is complain! They yell at people and gripe and complain about how no one respects them because they are women. If you’re going to put that in a kids book, why is it always just people complaining?
The parents get divorced and fight a lot. It causes a lot of problems between the kids.
One of the sisters is absolutely awful! She is a bully to her older sister and manipulated her younger sister in obeying her. She’s is 10 years old! No 10 year old acts like that.
I did like the music and the choir aspect of it. It was cool with all the music technical terms.
So I can’t recommend this and before people come at me for it, why do young girls need to be taught to hate men? Because that is literally all this is about. The girls just complain about men all the time and in reality, do very little to solve their problems.
So yeah, do not recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
February 3, 2026
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
I had so much fun reading this book. It is very well written and has so many great topics which include family, friends, and finding your own path. I loved Alondra. She is under a lot of pressure from so many different people. She also tries to hold everything together while trying to make her own path. I loved the relationships between Alondra, her sisters, parents, and her friends. These were all handled very well and I loved seeing how they changed. I alos loved the Alondra is ace, and possibly in her words aro, but is still trying to figure things out and is okay with that taking time. The story itself is very strong and it really delved into the pressures Alondra faced and how she could potentially work through everything. Things are messy and there is no true solution for everything, which Iappreciated that this messafing was there and that things can take time and you don'thave to figure everything out at once.
I had so much fun reading this book. It is very well written and has so many great topics which include family, friends, and finding your own path. I loved Alondra. She is under a lot of pressure from so many different people. She also tries to hold everything together while trying to make her own path. I loved the relationships between Alondra, her sisters, parents, and her friends. These were all handled very well and I loved seeing how they changed. I alos loved the Alondra is ace, and possibly in her words aro, but is still trying to figure things out and is okay with that taking time. The story itself is very strong and it really delved into the pressures Alondra faced and how she could potentially work through everything. Things are messy and there is no true solution for everything, which Iappreciated that this messafing was there and that things can take time and you don'thave to figure everything out at once.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Choir Grrrl is a middle grade story about choosing your own path despite the expectations and pressure from both family and society. Alondra's story feels authentic, which is no surprise as the author drew on her own experiences as a woman and Latina in a male dominated and primarily white genre.
Alondra is the oldest of three sisters and the leader of their band, a position that comes with a ton of pressure. Her family and audiences expect her to sound and perform a certain way and she feels obligated to conform because she is scared of disappointing them. This pressure also affects her relationship with her sisters, who push Alondra to change her voice, making her reluctant to share her secret about the choir club with them. Throughout the story, Alondra finds her own path and realizes that music doesn't have to be a competition.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Alondra's life is further complicated by other challenges. Alondra must contend with her mom's absence and her parents' impending divorce. Alondra is dyslexic and struggles to earn a passing grade in English, the one class that could prevent her from graduating eighth grade. She has disagreements with her sisters and faces bullying from her peers. Like many eighth graders, she has a lot going on in her life!
Alondra's friendships with the kids in her choir help her better understand herself and encourage her to think about things in a different way. I love how they challenge each other, support each other, and have productive conversations when they have disagreements. This felt like a really good model on how to handle overbearing friends while still understanding and respecting where they are coming from.
This story is so queer normative and I love that Alondra, who herself identifies as ace, is so accepting and considerate of how others identify. The story also touches on intersectionality, highlighting the Riot Grrrl movement while acknowledging its lack of inclusion and pointing out the lack of diversity in emo music despite the diversity of the genre's audience, along with other examples. Additionally, the story addresses how gendered stereotypes hurt everyone, including boys.
This is the second book I've read by Ashley Granillo and I absolutely love her writing and the way she seamlessly weaves real music into her stories. As a Millennial reader and former emo kid, this book was a trip down memory lane! I loved the references to real bands, like Straylight Run, Paramore, Jack's Mannequin, and even the Linda Lindas, as well as all the local SoCal venues. This book is awesome and would be a fantastic read for middle schoolers who are interested in music!
Thank you to the publishers for the digital copy.
Alondra is the oldest of three sisters and the leader of their band, a position that comes with a ton of pressure. Her family and audiences expect her to sound and perform a certain way and she feels obligated to conform because she is scared of disappointing them. This pressure also affects her relationship with her sisters, who push Alondra to change her voice, making her reluctant to share her secret about the choir club with them. Throughout the story, Alondra finds her own path and realizes that music doesn't have to be a competition.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Alondra's life is further complicated by other challenges. Alondra must contend with her mom's absence and her parents' impending divorce. Alondra is dyslexic and struggles to earn a passing grade in English, the one class that could prevent her from graduating eighth grade. She has disagreements with her sisters and faces bullying from her peers. Like many eighth graders, she has a lot going on in her life!
Alondra's friendships with the kids in her choir help her better understand herself and encourage her to think about things in a different way. I love how they challenge each other, support each other, and have productive conversations when they have disagreements. This felt like a really good model on how to handle overbearing friends while still understanding and respecting where they are coming from.
This story is so queer normative and I love that Alondra, who herself identifies as ace, is so accepting and considerate of how others identify. The story also touches on intersectionality, highlighting the Riot Grrrl movement while acknowledging its lack of inclusion and pointing out the lack of diversity in emo music despite the diversity of the genre's audience, along with other examples. Additionally, the story addresses how gendered stereotypes hurt everyone, including boys.
This is the second book I've read by Ashley Granillo and I absolutely love her writing and the way she seamlessly weaves real music into her stories. As a Millennial reader and former emo kid, this book was a trip down memory lane! I loved the references to real bands, like Straylight Run, Paramore, Jack's Mannequin, and even the Linda Lindas, as well as all the local SoCal venues. This book is awesome and would be a fantastic read for middle schoolers who are interested in music!
Thank you to the publishers for the digital copy.
January 18, 2026
“To thine own self be true” is a well-known quote from Shakespeare. It accurately sums up the storyline of Ashley Granillo’s book, “Choir Grrrl”. Alondra Yniguez and her sisters, Elisa and Gloria, are middle schoolers at a performance middle school who have their own band, Beyond the Valley. They are gearing up to go on tour during their summer break as the opening act for the Past Perfection reunion tour, their famous father’s emo band. But first they need to pass their spring semester classes. Alondra makes use of peer tutoring where she meets Nicco Rojas, who invites her to a meeting of the Choir Club. Then the girls sign up for their school’s Battle of the Bands competition. Classmate rivalries, family dynamics, and a female’s place in the music industry all impact the sister’s lives and their fledgling band.
The title that Ms.Granillo has picked for this book is very subtle. At first glance, one might assume that there is a misspelling error. But as one reads this book, the references to the Riot Grrrl movement in the 90’s are important. Alondra is torn between what her father wants, what her sisters want, what her friend Nicco and the Choir Club want and what she wants for herself. Alondra stands up for herself in several surprising ways and learns how to negotiate and work through tough situations. Any middle schooler, boy or girl, will find some inspiration in the message of this book.
I wish to thank Lerner Publishing Group for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#ChoirGrrrl
#LernerPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
#MiddleSchool
#Multicultural
#RiotGrrrl
The title that Ms.Granillo has picked for this book is very subtle. At first glance, one might assume that there is a misspelling error. But as one reads this book, the references to the Riot Grrrl movement in the 90’s are important. Alondra is torn between what her father wants, what her sisters want, what her friend Nicco and the Choir Club want and what she wants for herself. Alondra stands up for herself in several surprising ways and learns how to negotiate and work through tough situations. Any middle schooler, boy or girl, will find some inspiration in the message of this book.
I wish to thank Lerner Publishing Group for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#ChoirGrrrl
#LernerPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
#MiddleSchool
#Multicultural
#RiotGrrrl
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars, rounded up. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I, as a (somewhat) mature adult, am not the target audience for books. This is especially true when I read middle-grade books. I have to adjust my expectations accordingly.
This was a fun book about Alondra, a 13-year-old girl trying to figure out who she is while dealing with all the pressures of being the eldest daughter of the former frontman of a famous emo band that's about to go on tour. Did we mention Alondra is also the lead singer and guitarist of an emo band consisting of her and her sisters? It's pressure on pressure on pressure. Granillo does a fantastic job of building that conflict and tension in a way that's relatable for readers of all ages, but especially younger readers. You couldn't help but feel for Alondra, who's trying to be everything for everyone, but is really just a 13-year-old girl doing her best and struggling to live up to other people's expectations.
I also loved the representation in this book. Alondra is Latina, ace/aro, and has dyslexia (and probably anxiety). Although she's clearly strong, she also tends to have a hard time speaking up for herself. Other side characters include a non-binary fan of Alondra's dad's band; a Filipina girl who's convinced she can't sing (as a Filipina who truly cannot sing, Malaya, girl, you're fine); a possible young bruja; and the "love interest" (if you can really call it that), who appreciates Alondra just the way she is.
The undercurrent of feminism and how women are "supposed" to be, particularly in rock music, runs strongly throughout the book. It does get a little heavy-handed at times, such as the interactions involving Alondra's English teacher, but I think it's a good message to be sending to young readers: there's no one right way to be. You can be a girl in rock who sings "pretty" or you can scream. You can be a boy who's interested in the arts, rather than sports. It's about being confident in who you are and what you love to do and I wish we all heard that message more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!
This was a fun book about Alondra, a 13-year-old girl trying to figure out who she is while dealing with all the pressures of being the eldest daughter of the former frontman of a famous emo band that's about to go on tour. Did we mention Alondra is also the lead singer and guitarist of an emo band consisting of her and her sisters? It's pressure on pressure on pressure. Granillo does a fantastic job of building that conflict and tension in a way that's relatable for readers of all ages, but especially younger readers. You couldn't help but feel for Alondra, who's trying to be everything for everyone, but is really just a 13-year-old girl doing her best and struggling to live up to other people's expectations.
I also loved the representation in this book. Alondra is Latina, ace/aro, and has dyslexia (and probably anxiety). Although she's clearly strong, she also tends to have a hard time speaking up for herself. Other side characters include a non-binary fan of Alondra's dad's band; a Filipina girl who's convinced she can't sing (as a Filipina who truly cannot sing, Malaya, girl, you're fine); a possible young bruja; and the "love interest" (if you can really call it that), who appreciates Alondra just the way she is.
The undercurrent of feminism and how women are "supposed" to be, particularly in rock music, runs strongly throughout the book. It does get a little heavy-handed at times, such as the interactions involving Alondra's English teacher, but I think it's a good message to be sending to young readers: there's no one right way to be. You can be a girl in rock who sings "pretty" or you can scream. You can be a boy who's interested in the arts, rather than sports. It's about being confident in who you are and what you love to do and I wish we all heard that message more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The best children’s books are ones that speak to us as adults as well. Although aimed at pre-teen readers, this book has something for everyone, with its core message about standing up for yourself, and following your passion.
The main character, Alondra, is dealing with a lot of pressure from different people in her life. The story is told from her perspective, and I got a real sense for the different directions she felt pulled in as the story went on. I particularly liked the storyline about her English teacher, and I think everyone has a story about a teacher they had who underestimated them or treated them unfairly. There was a real sense of triumph for her at the end, which was lovely to read.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
As a musician – specifically a singer – specifically a choral singer – myself, I really enjoyed the way music featured in this book. Honestly, if I’d read this at Alondra’s age, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it! But as I’ve gotten older and my musical career has by necessity become more varied, I really enjoyed and appreciated the way this book celebrated creativity, breaking and re-combining genres, and individuality. It was not just a great storyline in its own right, but also a great metaphor for everything happening in Alondra’s life.
One thing I really appreciated is that this book celebrated how it’s okay not to have everything figured out, especially at the age the characters are. With the book ending as Alondra finishes middle school, it felt like a really positive place for her to be, full of possibilities and ready to flourish as she grows up.
This was such a joy to read, and I think it will be a valuable addition to any young person’s library or bookshelf!
I received a free copy for an honest review.
The main character, Alondra, is dealing with a lot of pressure from different people in her life. The story is told from her perspective, and I got a real sense for the different directions she felt pulled in as the story went on. I particularly liked the storyline about her English teacher, and I think everyone has a story about a teacher they had who underestimated them or treated them unfairly. There was a real sense of triumph for her at the end, which was lovely to read.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
As a musician – specifically a singer – specifically a choral singer – myself, I really enjoyed the way music featured in this book. Honestly, if I’d read this at Alondra’s age, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it! But as I’ve gotten older and my musical career has by necessity become more varied, I really enjoyed and appreciated the way this book celebrated creativity, breaking and re-combining genres, and individuality. It was not just a great storyline in its own right, but also a great metaphor for everything happening in Alondra’s life.
One thing I really appreciated is that this book celebrated how it’s okay not to have everything figured out, especially at the age the characters are. With the book ending as Alondra finishes middle school, it felt like a really positive place for her to be, full of possibilities and ready to flourish as she grows up.
This was such a joy to read, and I think it will be a valuable addition to any young person’s library or bookshelf!
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When you're thirteen, you're still trying to find your voice. And you're still trying to do what is expected of you... even if it's not what you want to do. That is what young Alondra is faced with.
She comes from a musical family. Dad's about to go on tour, and expects his daughters to follow in his footsteps. She does what is expected of her, and forms a band with her sisters. The only problem—the type of music they make isn't what she wants to do. How do you balance your family's expectations of you with what you really want to do? How do you advocate for yourself?
Admittedly, I'm not the target audience for this. There were some things that I felt I needed to suspend disbelief on, but that's a "me" issue. As long as you go into this adjusting your expectations for a middle grade book, you'll enjoy this. There are underlying themes within this book that I think would be healthy for young teens to learn now instead of later in life, such as it's okay to set boundaries, learn how to advocate for yourself. There's also an underlying theme of feminism, which I was okay with. Sometimes it did feel like it labored the point, but I didn't mind. There was amazing representation in this story. We Latinas, Filipino, asexual, aromantic, dyslexia, and (I'm positive) anxiety.
I think any young person would be able to identify with just about any character in this story. I saw aspects of myself in Alondra. (I'm not nearly as talented, but that's not the point.) There is something for everyone in this story.
Support your local library or indie bookshop!
She comes from a musical family. Dad's about to go on tour, and expects his daughters to follow in his footsteps. She does what is expected of her, and forms a band with her sisters. The only problem—the type of music they make isn't what she wants to do. How do you balance your family's expectations of you with what you really want to do? How do you advocate for yourself?
Admittedly, I'm not the target audience for this. There were some things that I felt I needed to suspend disbelief on, but that's a "me" issue. As long as you go into this adjusting your expectations for a middle grade book, you'll enjoy this. There are underlying themes within this book that I think would be healthy for young teens to learn now instead of later in life, such as it's okay to set boundaries, learn how to advocate for yourself. There's also an underlying theme of feminism, which I was okay with. Sometimes it did feel like it labored the point, but I didn't mind. There was amazing representation in this story. We Latinas, Filipino, asexual, aromantic, dyslexia, and (I'm positive) anxiety.
I think any young person would be able to identify with just about any character in this story. I saw aspects of myself in Alondra. (I'm not nearly as talented, but that's not the point.) There is something for everyone in this story.
Support your local library or indie bookshop!
February 4, 2026
*3.75
Thank you to @hearourvoicestours for the invitation to review this precious book 🥹💜
Reading middle grade novels always brings back a sense of nostalgia for me. Choir Grrrl brought out some of my own memories from my middle school days!
By a raise of hands, how many of you guys did choir? As an elective 🙋🏻♀️
While I’m no professional singer, I did end up making some hilarious memories during my choir days.
Unlike me, Alondra comes from a musically inclined family. Her dad is the lead singer to a rock band that is coming out of retirement for one last tour!
Her mom and dad have assigned Alondra and her sisters to be the opening act to her father’s tour. Launching Alondra and her sisters new rock band, and eventually headlining for their own tour.
Alondra is conflicted, her voice and heart aren’t in sync with the rock band. Her interests have always been within softer and quieter music, one with harmony and community aka Choir!
Alondra secretly decides to join her middle schools choir but wha happens when she actually loves choir club and the people in it. With the bands tour launch day approaching Alondra is forced to make a choice, follow her heart or let go?
Alondra is so incredibly talented, I admire her so much as an older sister as well. Dealing with familial pressures especially in a Mexican household can be overwhelming but she reminds us that our voice and heart are one within the same.
I am sure that just like I have others will see Alondra for who she is 💖
Thank you to @hearourvoicestours for the invitation to review this precious book 🥹💜
Reading middle grade novels always brings back a sense of nostalgia for me. Choir Grrrl brought out some of my own memories from my middle school days!
By a raise of hands, how many of you guys did choir? As an elective 🙋🏻♀️
While I’m no professional singer, I did end up making some hilarious memories during my choir days.
Unlike me, Alondra comes from a musically inclined family. Her dad is the lead singer to a rock band that is coming out of retirement for one last tour!
Her mom and dad have assigned Alondra and her sisters to be the opening act to her father’s tour. Launching Alondra and her sisters new rock band, and eventually headlining for their own tour.
Alondra is conflicted, her voice and heart aren’t in sync with the rock band. Her interests have always been within softer and quieter music, one with harmony and community aka Choir!
Alondra secretly decides to join her middle schools choir but wha happens when she actually loves choir club and the people in it. With the bands tour launch day approaching Alondra is forced to make a choice, follow her heart or let go?
Alondra is so incredibly talented, I admire her so much as an older sister as well. Dealing with familial pressures especially in a Mexican household can be overwhelming but she reminds us that our voice and heart are one within the same.
I am sure that just like I have others will see Alondra for who she is 💖
November 27, 2025
⭐ Middle Grade Book | Identity | Coming-of-Age
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Choir Grrrl is a middle-grade novel that follows a young Latina musician as she tries to discover her own voice, both literally and personally. Although I initially expected a picture book, this story is aimed at older children and early teens, with themes centered around identity, pressure, and finding confidence.
The protagonist is a passionate fan of Paramore (especially Hayley Williams) and Olivia Rodrigo, and those influences shape her emo-rocker identity. However, much of her life feels dictated by others, her father, her sisters, her best friends, and the expectations placed on her, rather than her own choices.
As the title hints, she eventually joins a choir club, which becomes a new space for her to explore who she truly wants to be.
The story is written from a young perspective and is geared toward pre-teens and teens. While the voice is authentic to that age group, I personally didn’t feel strongly attached to the characters, likely because they’re so young and the writing reflects their youthful mindset.
Overall, Choir Grrrl is a coming-of-age story about music, self-expression, and embracing one's identity, best suited for middle-grade readers navigating their own path.
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Choir Grrrl is a middle-grade novel that follows a young Latina musician as she tries to discover her own voice, both literally and personally. Although I initially expected a picture book, this story is aimed at older children and early teens, with themes centered around identity, pressure, and finding confidence.
The protagonist is a passionate fan of Paramore (especially Hayley Williams) and Olivia Rodrigo, and those influences shape her emo-rocker identity. However, much of her life feels dictated by others, her father, her sisters, her best friends, and the expectations placed on her, rather than her own choices.
As the title hints, she eventually joins a choir club, which becomes a new space for her to explore who she truly wants to be.
The story is written from a young perspective and is geared toward pre-teens and teens. While the voice is authentic to that age group, I personally didn’t feel strongly attached to the characters, likely because they’re so young and the writing reflects their youthful mindset.
Overall, Choir Grrrl is a coming-of-age story about music, self-expression, and embracing one's identity, best suited for middle-grade readers navigating their own path.
August 23, 2025
“music has a beautiful way of finding what’s hurting you and bringing it to the surface.”
I really liked a lot about this one. The premise is a very unique take on the music industry for younger readers who might be curious (I know younger me would’ve especially been hooked!) while also talking about the real stresses of carrying others’ expectations. Loved the reminder for readers of the boundary between labor and art, of having to set boundaries with others as well as the act of creating when it loses its joy and sense of community. There were aspects of the story I had trouble believing, and the message got a little muddied for me as the book tries to do a lot at once. There’s some great dyslexia and ace rep, though Alondra is so aware and articulate about herself--while this provides a nice model of language for kids who might resonate, I had a little trouble fully believing she’d be this aware and understanding at this age (or maybe I'm just jealous! :)). All in all, enjoyed this read.
I really liked a lot about this one. The premise is a very unique take on the music industry for younger readers who might be curious (I know younger me would’ve especially been hooked!) while also talking about the real stresses of carrying others’ expectations. Loved the reminder for readers of the boundary between labor and art, of having to set boundaries with others as well as the act of creating when it loses its joy and sense of community. There were aspects of the story I had trouble believing, and the message got a little muddied for me as the book tries to do a lot at once. There’s some great dyslexia and ace rep, though Alondra is so aware and articulate about herself--while this provides a nice model of language for kids who might resonate, I had a little trouble fully believing she’d be this aware and understanding at this age (or maybe I'm just jealous! :)). All in all, enjoyed this read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love music. Especially this emo / pop punk sub genre of music. It’s not every day you see a book in this genre that captures the angsty, emotionally driven feelings of middle school youth. So, I was excited when I discovered this book.
The book’s main character, Alondra, is continuing in the family business of music, which comes with a lot of pressure. Now, kids deal with pressure from peers and parents all the time. But Alondra is particularly torn between what her father thinks is best for her, what her sisters expect of her, what her friend Nicco is pushing for, and ultimately, what she wants for herself. And it’s when she begins to finally find her own, unique voice that this book really starts to sing.
So, in channeling Chicago’s finest, I’ll say that I’ve Got a Dark Alley and a Good Review That Says You Should Read This Book.
The book’s main character, Alondra, is continuing in the family business of music, which comes with a lot of pressure. Now, kids deal with pressure from peers and parents all the time. But Alondra is particularly torn between what her father thinks is best for her, what her sisters expect of her, what her friend Nicco is pushing for, and ultimately, what she wants for herself. And it’s when she begins to finally find her own, unique voice that this book really starts to sing.
So, in channeling Chicago’s finest, I’ll say that I’ve Got a Dark Alley and a Good Review That Says You Should Read This Book.
February 4, 2026
It’s a middle‑grade contemporary novel about a girl growing up in a family defined by music. Her father is relaunching his emo band on a reunion tour, her sisters and mother’s lives are tied to its success, and the whole household revolves around that dream. But she secretly longs to play in the orchestra instead of sticking to the family’s hardcore emo roots.
The story follows her struggle to balance her own identity with the expectations placed on her, exploring themes of family, self‑expression, and the courage to find your own voice.
Choir Grrrl is ultimately about how music can both connect and divide—and how one girl learns to stay true to herself without losing the people she loves.
The story follows her struggle to balance her own identity with the expectations placed on her, exploring themes of family, self‑expression, and the courage to find your own voice.
Choir Grrrl is ultimately about how music can both connect and divide—and how one girl learns to stay true to herself without losing the people she loves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
CONTENT WARNING: Ableism, Misogyny, Sexism, Racism
I really enjoyed this Latinx (Mexican-American) middle grade story about self discovery which follows Alondra and her musical family.
I appreciated the family dynamic even though the siblings and parents don't always get things right and I LOVED that there were mentions of real bands sprinkled through out the story.
For additional thoughts, check out my video review.
Thank you to Hear Our Voices book tours, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advanced ebook copy of Choir Grrrl. This is my honest review.
I really enjoyed this Latinx (Mexican-American) middle grade story about self discovery which follows Alondra and her musical family.
I appreciated the family dynamic even though the siblings and parents don't always get things right and I LOVED that there were mentions of real bands sprinkled through out the story.
For additional thoughts, check out my video review.
Thank you to Hear Our Voices book tours, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing an advanced ebook copy of Choir Grrrl. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a rockera mama, with a degree and everything, I approve of this novel. lol A book for the kids who need to be heard; even the ones with ‘cool’ parents. (Insert my soap box about letting kids being kids; let them explore their weird interests and take breaks.) Boundaries are clearly stated; providing a healthy example for this age group. On the physical to buy list, so my littles can remind me to gather myself when needed.
Thank you Hear Our Voices (@hearourvoicestours) for a chance to read this book.
Thank you Hear Our Voices (@hearourvoicestours) for a chance to read this book.
December 30, 2025
Front runner of her sister punk rock band, Alondra, feeling chained from the confines of the emo genre, dreams to branch out to more classical vibes. Will her family allow her to peruse her dreams or will she scream from the pressure of expectations?!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25 stars
November 13, 2025
Ashley Granillo perfectly captures the middle grade harmony of hope, humor, and courage that comes with fighting for your own unique voice! Highly recommend!!!
Original:
ARC read - absolutely loved it. Review to follow.
Original:
ARC read - absolutely loved it. Review to follow.
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