The Color of Sound
"[A] salient celebration of family, music, and neurodiversity." --starred, Publishers Weekly
"A top pick for any middle school collection; a perfect book club pick and a reminder to all that patience and understanding can change lives." --starred, School Library Journal
Twelve-year-old Rosie is a musical prodigy whose synesthesia allows her to see music in colors.
She's never told anyone this, though. She already stands out more than enough as a musical "prodigy" who plays better than most adults. Rosie's mom expects her to become a professional violinist. But this summer, Rosie refuses to play.
She wants to have a break. To make friends and discover new hobbies. To find out who she would be if her life didn't revolve around the violin.
So instead of attending a prestigious summer music camp, Rosie goes with her mom to visit her grandparents. Grandma Florence's health is failing, Grandpa Jack doesn't talk much, and Rosie's mom is furious with her for giving up the violin. But Rosie is determined to make the most of her "strike." And when she meets a girl who seems distinctly familiar, she knows this summer will be unlike any other.
With help from a mysterious glitch in time--plus her grandparents, an improv group, and a new instrument--Rosie uncovers secrets that change how she sees her family, herself, and the music that's always been part of her.
Earn by promoting books
Earn money by sharing your favorite books through our Affiliate program.
Become an affiliate
"Well-crafted, heartfelt, and affecting."--Barbara Dee, author of Maybe He Just Likes You and Unstuck
-- (6/2/2023 12:00:00 AM)"This tale of connection, family, and generational secrets will tug on your heart as you root for Rosie to find her song and herself."--Elly Swartz, author of Dear Student
-- (5/22/2023 12:00:00 AM)"This bright, brilliant symphony of a story will play on in your head long after you've turned the last page."--Sally J. Pla, author of The Someday Birds
-- (5/22/2023 12:00:00 AM)"This beautiful, intergenerational coming-of-age story about families, secrets, and self-discovery will stay with you long after you finish reading it."--Gail Lerner, author of The Big Dreams of Small Creatures
-- (8/2/2023 12:00:00 AM)"A deeply resonant story of finding your own song through the noise of everyone else's expectations."--Jimmy Matejek-Morris, author of My Ex-Imaginary Friend and Forsooth
-- (8/2/2023 12:00:00 AM)"The Color of Sound is the perfect summer read, sure to become a perennial favorite."--Joanne Levy, award-winning author of Sorry for Your Loss
-- (8/2/2023 12:00:00 AM)"The Color of Sound is a valentine to families everywhere. Isler explores multiple intergenerational relationships lovingly and honestly, while keeping a gifted and vulnerable girl firmly at the center. It's hard to imagine a book that I would want both my parents and my children to read, and yet, here is one." --John Cho, New York Times bestselling author of Troublemaker
-- (8/17/2023 12:00:00 AM)"Intricately entwining interpersonal growth with each character's relationship to their Jewish faith and culture, Isler highlights the role of family history in identity formation through metaphorical time travel. Color-centric imagery rendered in immersive prose translates Rosie's synesthesia in this salient celebration of family, music, and neurodiversity."--starred, Publishers Weekly
-- (12/8/2023 12:00:00 AM)"Isler crafts an exceptionally honest portrayal of complicated mother-daughter dynamics, and a protagonist whose independence and kindness is a stunning solo. . . a perfect book club pick and a reminder to all that patience and understanding can change lives."--starred, School Library Journal
-- (12/18/2023 12:00:00 AM)"This is great for exploring the complex world of neurodivergence, specifically as it relates to synesthesia, a real life fascinating condition that allows people to experience unrelated sensory experiences at the same time. Reviewer Rating: 5"--Children's Literature
-- (1/23/2024 12:00:00 AM)"A moving and pensive read. . ."--Booklist
-- (1/19/2024 12:00:00 AM)"A really nice look at how independence is often hard-fought and can come through unexpected paths. A solid upper middle grade read."--Teen Librarian's Toolbox
-- (3/15/2024 12:00:00 AM)"An emotionally moving story about the ways that generational trauma can affect parent-child relationships and how the past persists into the present."--Horn Book Magazine
-- (5/1/2024 12:00:00 AM)
