The Rising Star of Rusty Nail - by Lesley M M Blume (Paperback)

About the Book

Set in 1953 Rusty Nail, Minnesota, this poignant and laugh-out-loud funny novel tells the story of Franny Hansen, a 10-year-old piano prodigy who attempts to pursue the American dream in small-town America.

Book Synopsis

★ "A story that is as rich as it is delicious."--Booklist, Starred

Franny Hansen is a 10-year-old piano prodigy living in Rusty Nail, Minnesota. Once the Coot Capitol of the world, in 1953 it's just a run-of-the-mill town with one traffic light and a bizarre cast of characters. She's long exhausted the talents of the town's only piano teacher and seems destined to perform at church events and school assemblies, until a mysterious Russian woman arrives in Rusty Nail. Franny's neighbors are convinced the "Commie" is a threat to their American way of life, but Franny's not so sure. Could this stranger be her ticket out of Rusty Nail?

Lesley M. M. Blume returns with the poignant and laugh-out-loud funny story of one girl's attempt to pursue the American dream in small town America.

"Blume has skillfully combined humor, history, and music to create an enjoyable novel that builds to a surprising crescendo."--School Library Journal

Review Quotes

★ "A story that is as rich as it is delicious."--Booklist, Starred

"Blume has skillfully combined humor, history, and music to create an enjoyable novel that builds to a surprising crescendo."--School Library Journal

About the Author

Lesley M. M. Blume is the author of Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters and Tennyson. She lives in New York City.