The Sweetest Sound by Sherri Winston

This book was adorable. It was so innocent and sweet and I can only imagine the number of seemingly shy but amazing children that this chapter book would be perfect for. I purchased The Sweetest Sound because the cover art featured a cute little brown skinned girl with a pixie haircut and an adorable dog and the blurb on the back of the book cover was very appealing to me. I was familiar with the author's name, Sherri Winston, because I had seen a few of her other books one being President of the Whole Fifth Grade. And after reading The Sweetest Sound, I want to read more of Winston's novels.

The main character of this novel is Cadence Mariah Jolly. As she narrates her story up to her 10th birthday, readers who love music may find themselves singing their favorite songs or wanting to listen to music. I know I did. Cadence has an interesting story that includes an absent mother and a single father. Although her mother left their family to pursue her own dreams (very unlike mine), I still really felt myself relating to Cadence. Throughout the novel, she mentions how people say she is shy when actually she is just an introvert. I felt that, growing up and even sometimes now, people think I'm shy because of my demeanor. Just because someone is soft spoken or does not want attention doesn't mean they are shy, maybe they just don't like being loud or the center of attention. This makes Cadence one of my favorite characters ever because she is like me. She is someone who can make her own decisions, reflects on her feelings and overcome fears by becoming her own hero. She loves to read and write, she has great dreams, and she enjoys music and being a performer but doesn't have to have or want all the spotlight.

This book is also unique because it pays homage to music, including gospel music and artist Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Yolanda Adams. The novel also makes note of other known authors when Cadence mentions books she has read. I really liked it. It made me want to take out my old CDs, sing, perform, and take a trip down memory lane. It made me want to reread books from my childhood, and it really connected me to myself. I recommend that extroverted parents of introverted children read this if they need help better understanding their child. And I recommend that those shy or introverted children read this book if they think that no one understands them. Well, I think everyone should read this book, it just has so many relatable aspects and can lift spirits.

Look inside you & be strong,

The Black Bibliophage