THE RISING STAR OF RUSTY NAIL
by Lesley M. M. Blume
Alfred A. Knopf
ISBN-10: 0375835245
ISBN-13: 9780375835247
Ages 8-12
270 pages

Rusty Nail, Minnesota, is much like any other small town in 1953 America. It has one grocery store, one lawyer, one doctor, one church, one stoplight and a handful of noisy gossips, all surrounded by miles of cornfields and cows. However, there is one difference that sets this town apart from any other --- 10-year-old Franny Hansen. Franny wishes there was something special about herself that could one day take her out into the exciting world and make her shine brighter than her rival, Nancy Orilee.

Franny is a very talented piano player; she loves to play, though her weekly lessons drag by with little excitement. In fact, her teacher usually falls asleep! Franny’s best friend, Sandy, tries to convince her that tossing water balloons at cranky townsfolk and snooty Nancy Orilee is much more fun. And while Franny agrees about the amusement in tossing water balloons, despite getting caught and punished, she still loves to play the piano.

One day, the townspeople are abuzz with both excitement and uncertainty --- the town’s lawyer brings home a new bride. That in itself isn’t so controversial, but the fact that the woman is Russian shocks all the citizens. Every town in the U.S. in 1953 is familiar with the constant warnings about the potential dangers of communists and the threat of a bomb attack. And since Olga Malenkov is from Russia, everyone assumes she must be a communist. Franny and Sandy decide to attempt a bit of spy work and find out more about her.

With some snooping around below open windows, Franny learns that Olga is not a communist but is in fact a famous, world-class pianist. Franny begins to hound Olga in any way possible to obtain music lessons. While Franny gets to know Olga and starts to like and respect her, the rest of the town resents Olga’s secretive ways and mysterious background. Some even form a protest group against the Russian. But if Olga and Franny can survive the prejudice, Franny will discover adventures beyond her wildest dreams.

Lesley M. M. Blume sweeps readers back to another time with her newest book --- back to a time when a school principal chain-smokes in his office and everyone fears bombing attacks from the Russians. But one thing is still the same --- a young person’s ambition to succeed at her dream. Blume expertly opens up spirited Franny’s heart and mind to readers so they can share her dream, and perhaps they will be inspired to venture out to discover their own dreams.

    --- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND

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