…Compellingly readable. Make room in the boarding school book canon for a new classic.”
—Jeff Zentner, award-winning author of IN THE WILD LIGHT and THE SERPENT KING
"….A moving, highly virtuosic, and heart-rending portrait of an aspiring teen pianist trying to find her way… THE NOTES brought me right back to my own childhood and made me feel seen."
—Patricia Park, author of IMPOSTER SYNDROME AND OTHER CONFESSIONS OF ALEJANDRA KIM and WHAT’S EATING JACKIE OH?
"…A pitch-perfect aria that expresses the adrenaline, doubt, loneliness, and adoring love that defines young adulthood. Whether or not you're familiar with classical music, you'll want to listen to Con Morse's sweeping, compassionate, and sensitive song."
—Leo Min, author of BEATING HEART BABY
“A modern-day PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, THE NOTES is a fascinating portrait of the indelible effect an enigmatic teacher can have on a student — especially in the hothouse environment of a demanding conservatory where each is one of a handful of Chinese-Americans.”
—Susan Azim Boyer, author of THE SEARCH FOR US and JASMIN ZUMIDEH NEEDS A WIN
"…An intriguing exploration of what motivates us to pursue what we love, and consider what brings us to our breaking point. "
—Jennifer Baker, author of FORGIVE ME NOT
THE NOTES
THE NOTES is my love letter to my high school, the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. Govieland, as we called it, was a magical place. There, I was surrounded by friends and teachers who were passionate about the arts, and for the first time, I wasn’t the only Asian kid in my class.
My senior year, we got a new piano teacher. Dr. Chen was glamorous and demanding, her teaching methods unconventional. She was the only Asian teacher at the school. All these things made her a celebrity on our small campus.
Years later, I still wondered about her.
In THE NOTES, earnest and insecure Claire is intrigued by the mysterious Dr. Li. Then Claire starts receiving creepy handwritten notes about her teacher. Claire falls in love with skater-pianist Rocky, while also vying for a spot in a secret society.
THE NOTES is about art and ambition, friendship and first love. It’s about imperfect role models and identity, about embracing who you are, and figuring out who you want to become.
Claire Wu isn’t sure that she has what it takes to become a successful concert pianist.
It’s the fear of every student at Greenwood School for the Performing Arts: becoming a washed-out performer who couldn’t make it big. And Claire’s no Rocky Wong, the ace pianist at their boarding school.
Then Dr. Li shows up. She’s like no other teacher at Greenwood: mysterious, sophisticated, fascinating. Under Dr. Li’s tutelage, Claire works harder and dreams bigger than ever. And her crush Rocky finally seems interested. Maybe she’ll even be “Chinese enough” to join the elusive Asian Student Society.
Everything is falling into place until eerily personal notes about Claire’s bond with Dr. Li appear. Claire starts to feel the pressure. But she isn’t the only one. Everyone is feeling the strain. Especially Rocky, whose extreme perfectionism hides something more troubling.
As the Showcase tension crescendos, Claire must decide if she’s ready to sink or swim. Only then can she discover who she really is and learn if she’s ready to give her all for a shot at greatness.
“A compelling exploration of art, identity, and falling in love.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This novel shines as an earnest examination of belonging, loneliness, artistic and personal growth, self-doubt, and mental health struggles (including self-harm) among high-achieving performers.” —Booklist
“A work that hits notes of high drama but is ultimately lullaby sweet and comforting.” —The Bulletin
“A captivating musical coming-of-age novel that sensitively explores racial identity, belonging, and mental illness.” —School Library Journal