Tig Ripley: Hard Rock

In this sequel to Tig Ripley: Rock 'n' Roll Rebel, things are looking up for the girls of Pandora's Box. Following their successful appearance in the University of Alabama student TV commercial, Tig and the other members of Pandora's Box are eager to be taken seriously as a rock band. But the high drama of middle-school life rears its head. First, the girls finally tire of Kyra's lack of commitment and refusal to improve her bass skills. Tig can only defend her cousin just so much. Then to add to the Kyra problem, Robbie wants to bring in a new member to the band. This new girl really sets Tig's teeth on edge. Is Tig losing her bestie status with Robbie? And now, topping everything off, Tig can't stop thinking about Will Mason. Seeing him together with bandmate Olivia is agonizing. Tig is trying to do her best as leader but will all these struggles pull Pandora's Box apart just when it looks like musical success is around the corner?

Booklist

When things get too complicated for Tig Ripley and her best friends (who are also her bandmates), all Tig wants is a little bit of harmony. Suddenly, last year’s Mean Girl is being nice (too nice?), and Tig’s cousin Kyra, whom Tig feels insanely guilty about wanting to kick out of the band, is going through a hard time at home. Adding to the strife, Tig’s got a major crush on another good friend’s boyfriend, and one of her bandmates brings a new girl into the fold, which makes Tig feel jealous. Told in the third person but privy to Tig’s inner thoughts, this is a fun read for music lovers, and it deals with the fast-changing lives of middle-school kids. This follow-up to Rue’s series starter, Rock ’n’ Roll Rebel (2016), ends on a satisfying high note, though, with all the rhythms coming together for everyone. There’s a lot to appreciate here, both on the music front and with regard to the girls’ solid friendship. Perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson’s Roller Girl (2015).

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9–A well-paced sequel to Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel. The girl band Pandora’s Box is back together and experiencing growing pains. Tig’s cousin Kyra is not pulling her weight as a musician, which may or may not be the result of her parents’ divorce. Tig has to navigate the dynamics of friends and family as she eventually decides to kick Kyra out of the band. To add to the middle school drama, a new girl from another school has taken Kyra’s place, changing the band, and another band member is dating the boy Tig likes. Rue handles all of this angst adeptly and thoughtfully without being preachy. Tig grows as the band’s leader and as a person as she befriends a former enemy, makes new friends, and finds her first love. VERDICT A strong choice for middle schoolers who are not quite ready for YA.