To start, I will explain my level of French: I’m a Spanish teacher and took a semester of French in college 30 years ago. However, I was able to read this book with relative ease and LOVED IT.
As it begins from the perspective of Julie, you are introduced to the awful Gabi who makes fun of her and therein lies the conflict, you think; the villain is Gabi. However, you would be wrong. I love how the author allows the reader to empathize with each of the characters and we see growth in each of them.
Culture is woven throughout. The story is set in New England, which has a rich past of French Canadian as well as African immigrants from French-speaking countries. I love the way the author includes visual and cultural appendices for each chapter to add to the reader's experience.
This story feels personal. The author is from Maine, where the story is set. She is a co-creator of Manie Musicale, a main theme of the book. Like one of the characters, her family are heritage speakers of French, but suppress it. We see the story of characters who live between cultures told by someone who has experience this.
This book flows so easily and I read it in one sitting. It models how to change direction, not judge by appearances, reflect on one's own actions, admit wrong, learn from mistakes, forgive, be compassionate and embrace one's heritage.
It's a well-written, engaging, easy to read book that you can't put down! HIGHLY recommend!