The Piano at the Station by Helen Rutter & Elisa Paganelli

The Piano at the Station is a powerfully honest and thought-provoking depiction of how some children find school and all its expectations. Young readers will develop insight and empathy for children who struggle to behave or even see themselves in the pages. Teacher readers will find themselves challenged to think carefully about how they respond to children like Lacey and how they can help them discover what they’re good at and the key to unlocking their potential.

Lacey seems to always be in trouble at school. She can’t help but reply when teachers tell her off. One warning turns into two and before she knows it, she’s back in isolation. Not that she cares. Time in isolation means less time in boring lessons. Her mum’s response doesn’t help – with memories of a bad experience in school herself, she laughs off the consequences and is equally rude to school staff.

Lacey is given one last chance to improve her behaviour. Her headteacher hopes that music therapy will help her focus and channel her feelings into something positive. At first, Lacey is sceptical about her sessions with Mr Day but gradually she finds that playing the piano really speaks to her. Through music, she is able to make sense of her emotions.

It seems Lacey’s music lessons are too good to last. Mocked at home for making positive choices, she is then pushed further when she finds out Mr Day is leaving. She hadn’t realised it was only a short-term intervention. Now what?

Feeling lost and fuelled by anger, she can’t believe it when she discovers a piano free to play at the train station. There she can continue to explore the melodies that help her to express how she’s feeling. Then, dispapointment again. The station piano is being taken away.

A fire has been lit inside Lacey. She’s determined to save the piano as she realises who she wants to be.

This is another stellar book from Barrington Stoke. A top author writing with honesty and heart, accessible text and a length that means so many children can enjoy this wonderful story.

Thank you to Barrington Stoke for this outstanding book!

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