Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Practicing the Piano: But She Does Love Being in Recitals

Moxy Maxwell #3

by Peggy Gifford, Valorie Fisher (Illustrator)

Here's the third book in the hilarious Moxy Maxwell series, which includes Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little and Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank-you Notes .

Moxy’s back, and ready (kind of, sort of) for her big piano recital! In this hilarious third installment about everyone’s favorite ’tween procrastinator, Moxy Maxwell is set to make her Piano Debut, playing a duet of “Heart and Soul” with her little sister, Pansy. It’s too bad she has no time to practice. Between costume fittings, trying on her crown, warming up her voice, and putting on her stage makeup, Moxy can’t possibly worry about the actual performance. But soon it’s upon her, and Moxy feels something she’s only felt once before in her entire nervous! She’s not sure she can go on. Of course, Moxy is Moxy and she rises to the occasion brilliantly.

Genres: Humor, Fiction, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Juvenile, Middle Grade, Audiobook

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sarah]

Not my favorite of Moxy’s, but I still smiled all the way through. And I definitely understood a flamboyant Moxy who could find time to make fake ermine trim for a cloak to wear to her recital, even if she couldn’t seem to find time to practice her piece. This book experimented with non-traditional text features that appear in books like The Sisters Club and also with direct addresses to the reader that felt Kate DiCamillo-ish.

[Kryssy]

-Moxy and pansy are playing a duet. they make it sound like the show is just for them. and mark is playing? is this just a family show?
-I love how books 2 and 3 refer the reader back to book 1
-so much happens then we have to slowly wait for each thing to be explained
-chapters "pause" for dramatic effect
-Ms. Killinger SLAYS! Called out moxy in the letter and even Mrs. Mawell. Even though she was telling the truth
-moxy being the little diva she is. Recitle is in a few hours and she want to make a major change to the capes her grandma is HANDMAKING for her
-How does mark know french to teach moxy???
-the title of the books are sneaky. #1 is does not love stuart little. Moxy loved to have it around just didn't love READING stuart little. Same with this one. Moxy loves PLAYING the piano, but not practicing how she should
-what kind of name is susan standish? is that her last name? so mrs. maxwell's maiden name?
-is mrs. maxwell just severely jetlagged? she's acting the same as her sister and susan is the one that got hurt!!
-FINALLY mom helps moxy
-moxy is creative for sure (pounding). she's got... moxy... haha
-although her ideas are crazy, she does think ahead to the future and possibilities
-mark's reaction to moxy's stage fright is definitely valid
-moxy is going to be one of those kids that can't accept any form of rejection

[Diana]

Oh my. This little girl is such a brat! But she's adorable and lovable and really has no bad intent, so it's impossible to get too mad at her. Still, she's a really bad role model, so while I did laugh out loud at places, I can't recommend this one.

[Catherine]

As a teacher, I love this book for multiple reasons. Reading out of order, this is the first Moxy Maxwell book that I have read. As an adult, I finished it in no time at all on an airplane flight, and I could not resist laughing aloud. Moxy is a believable character with whom I think my students, at least the girls, will relate. (Two supporting characters, Moxy's twin and her best friend are boys.)The series does NOT have to be read in order to be fully comprehensible. This book is sure to be a hit with dormant or reluctant readers because the pace is quick, the story is funny, and the chapters are so short as to contribute to the comedy. This is a book that allows a student to feel and see the progress as pages go past quickly. The book supports the idea of being comfortable with who you are as an individual, as well as taking responsibility for your actions. I will definitely add the Moxy Maxwell books to my classroom library.

[Chris Cutler]

In Which Moxy does it again.
Moxy does it again. While it doesn't quite match Stuart Little or Thank You Notes (I only startled my roommate by laughing aloud twelve or thirteen times in this one), the Maxwells are back in full force--with reinforcements from Moxy's aunt Susan Standish and Moxy's piano teacher Ms. Killinger.

One thing I love is that Moxy no longer has the corner on ridiculousness. The rest of the family (and the piano teacher) have definite personalities in this episode, and each contributes his or her own flavor to the mix.

Mark's photographs are getting better with all the practice he had in the last two books, meaning that we see more of the family in-focus. My favorite was "The Sisters Go Toe to Toe" in chapter 54.

[Jackie]

Moxy Maxwell is excited about her upcoming recital with her sister Pansy. They are performing Heart and Soul. She has her grandmother sewing a regal costume, her mom is making 150 marshmallow cupcakes (even when she just got back from Africa the night before), and her brother is busy taking pictures of every step in process...just one thing is missing. She is forgetting to practice her piece.

As the big moment approaches, Moxie's stomach goes 'purple'. Could it possibly be stage fright? No way! Not Moxy. Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Practicing the Piano (but she does love being in recitals) is a humorous, cleverly written book that brings back memories of childhood fears. A very quick read.

[Pat]

Moxy Maxwell is an assertive, high-spirited girl who wants what she wants. In other words, a brat, but a loveable brat. With attitude and Moxy-isms, she tells how she gets through her practicing, her crown, and her piano recital and wins over the teacher (even with a pounding problem).

It took too many pages to get to the plot, but that may be appealing to some readers who love to look-at-how-many-pages-I've-read. Also I did not love Moxy. She irritates everyone she knows, and seems to lack the qualities of Junie B. Jones or Ramona or Judy Moody that win over your heart. My guess is that Moxy's self-centered character will be popular with younger readers, just not with me.

[Abby Johnson]

Moxy Maxwell is at it again! In this installment, she's preparing for her piano recital, but before she can rehearse she has to finish her cape, drink a green grass power shake, and do many other things. My favorite of the Moxy Maxwells so far is the second one because it went a little bit deeper into Moxy's feelings about her family. Unfortunately, this volume did not continue along that vein, but it was still an enjoyable story. I'd recommend Moxy to fans of Clementine, Judy Moody, and others in that ilk.

[Marcia]

I read several reviews of this series that were glowing--starred, even. It is on the MCBA list, and although I haven't read the first two, I dove in. Moxy Maxwell is not a character I cared for at all. She is a bit demanding, strong willed and self-centered. She wants to be the center of attention, but is much more interested in her costume for the recital than practicing. She doesn't put in the work, but wants the glory. The supporting characters were weak, and the chapter titles cloying. Bluck! The quick chapters, large font and photograph illustrations make this a choice for grades 3-5.

[Heidi]

3rd in the Moxy series, Moxy and her sister, Pansy, are busy preparing for the piano duet of "Heart and Soul" for their recital at the Palace Theater. Of course with preparation for Moxy means dress rehearsal complete with a crown and making a fake ermine trim for her cape. Will this procrastinator be able to pull off her first piano debut in time?

Not one of my favorites in the series, but still a light and funny read.

[Jess]

I do love Moxy. In this installment Moxy is getting ready for her big piano playing debut (but she must share it with her younger sister). While I enjoyed the other two Moxy books this one is still a great book for fans of Junie B. Jones, Ramona, and Judy Moody. Moxy will always be my favorite tween procrastinator.

[Christa]

We read this book out loud also, but it's a lot slower going when we aren't all together all the time like our driving to Florida adventure, so it was read more slowly. Still a good, funny book, but #2 was our fav.
Moxy and her sister are going to play a duet for their piano recital and of course -- more kid drama ensues to make for a good funny read.

[Frances]

Oh, Moxy. This seems like a great book for reluctant girl readers, as the chapters are very short and there's lots of repetition. Moxy is funny and quirky. I listened to this one, which meant the repeat of most chapter headings as the first sentence in the chapter grated on my nerves after a while. Though I wouldn't read another one, I'll definitely recommend them to kids.

[Tamara the Librarian]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed listening to this book. It is hard to find books written for younger readers that tell a coherent story that is entertaining for adults as well. So much better than Junie B and I would say Judy Moody too. Want to read other Moxy Maxwell books.

[Kristin]

love love love Moxy Maxwell.

[Kati]

Cute book, I think upper elementary and some middle school girls would enjoy this series.

[Lora]

Similar to the other Moxy books, great for booktalking. I'd recommend this to any elementary kid.

[Alicia]

Not as funny as the first two but still really good. It's an easy, fast read.

[Kristen]

These children's books are kind of gimicky, but they crack me up.

[meg]

a little precocious, sure, but a fast, funny, and pretty relatable read about the ultimate tween procrastinator.

[Samantha]

Anyone who has ever had a first recital can really relate to this book. And of course, if you like spunky heroines, you will also relate to this book.

[Beth/Sr. Elizabeth]

So funny although if I had to teach Moxy, I would probably go crazy! Also love the photo illustrations. Great series!

[Martha]

More laughs thanks to Moxy!

[Brett]

Moxy is not always admirable & sometimes she's very grating indeed, but the writing style is very catchy.

[Camille]

I don't know where I've been but I had not read a Moxy Maxwell book before. Oh my gosh, so funny. I laughed and laughed. Great addition to Junie B., Judy Moody, Eloise girls.

[Megan]

eight and up. A funny story about a little diva and her struggle to shine at her piano recital. The book includes fun photo like pictures that go along with the story.

[Christi]

I thought this might be a good book for Grace, but it was too much like Junie B. Jones. Obnoxious. I wouldn't recommend it to Grace.

[Mary]

Very cute. Moxy, like many little girl is much more taken with the outfit, bows and other aspects of performing than she is with practicing for the recital.

[Julie]

I'm always on the lookout for books to inspire my students in a fun way. The writing was clever and I could recommend it, but not for the reason that it was all that inspiring. Just a cute book.

[Hayley]

I love the short chapters in this book and the pictures in the book make it very entertaining.