WHERE IN THE WORLD

A quietly told story about relationships between a boy and his grandfather (Opa) and between music and memories. Sensitive Ari has a strong bond with Opa, who’s taught him violin since he was tiny and whose farm in Germany has been home since Ari’s father died years ago. When Ari’s mother takes him traveling around Europe and Australia, he experiences the trips as uneasy sensory impressions. Then Mum decides to move herself and Ari to Australia and Ari’s feeling of displacement grows. Opa sends him violin music through the mail, but Ari misses him badly. A new stepfather and a café featuring music solidify his new Australian life, but Ari is still shy and hides his musical talent from most people. He plays at home, but eventually has to decide whether to perform. A slow voice weaving between past and present characterizes this thoughtful piece about music, family, and memories. (Fiction. 9-12)