Synopsis
Twelve-year-old biracial James has grown up in a musical family. Not only are both of his parents musicians, but his four grandparents are as well. Everyone assumes that James will pursue music, yet he would rather become a newspaper reporter...or an astronomer...or a cook...anything that will let him leave music behind and be his own self.
Everything changes when, on a family visit to London, James discovers a portal that leads to London in the year 1600, then finds himself unable to return to the point in time he had left behind. James is forced to join the Children of the Chapel Royal, a group that performs for the queen of England, and the musical talents he denied are now put to the test and pushed to their limits. In this alternate world James comes to realize that he cannot survive and get back to the twenty-first century without recognizing, understanding, and making the most of his musical gifts.
Jane Louise Curry brings Elizabethan London to life in this remarkable story about music, family, and finding one's place in the world.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-9-James Parrett feels oppressed by his musician parents' focused lifestyle and constant performing. While visiting London, he discovers a strange shimmer in the air that takes him from contemporary London to the year 1600. In a series of return visits, he realizes that he is trapped-the time portals have shifted, and he cannot return to his true time. James is conscripted into the "Children of the Royal Chapel," who sing and perform for Queen Elizabeth. James, now nicknamed the "Black Canary," discovers his talent and love for music and performing. He realizes that he has grown and become "more ME" than his previous self, and he is forced to decide whether he will remain in his new life or return to his home and family. Curry's conclusion brings James's past and present together, and shows how he makes choices to change his life. James is a sensitive, thoughtful character, and readers will be drawn into his confusion and need to find himself. James's biracial identity brings an unusual dimension to his experiences. Supporting characters add conflict and interest to the story. Detail and historical characters, including Ben Jonson, bring Renaissance London to life, and readers will enjoy learning about 1600s clothing, food, intrigues, and music. While similar to Susan Cooper's King of Shadows (S & S, 1999) in plot, this story focuses on different aspects of past life and will find its own audience.-Beth L. Meister, Yeshiva of Central Queens, Flushing, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.