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“A 16-year-old classical pianist receives mysterious notes warning her not to idolize her school’s new music teacher. …Debut author Con Morse sensitively captures the emotional, physical, and mental health challenges of elite young artists, particularly classical musicians, as well as the complexities of being among the few Asians in a predominantly white space.”

– Kirkus Reviews

The Notes

Written by Catherine Con Morse
Published by Penguin Random House

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.

The Notes is a powerful and poignant debut YA novel from award-winning writer Catherine Con Morse about dealing with academic pressures, falling in love for the first time, and finding yourself

Primary ISBN: 9780593711385
Publication Date: April 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented:

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Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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