The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg
Published by Arthur A. Levine Books on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338215507
Pages: 338
Goodreads

This romantic novel is filled with poetry, food, and art, but it also tackles the serious issues of consent, grief, and gender conformity. Through happenstance, Max and Jordan end up in the hot, Arizona summer heat working on a derelict food truck, “Coq Au Vinny.” The food truck belonged to Jordan’s deceased father and Jordan desperately needs it to be successful. Max’s lives with his mother since his parents divorced and his plans for sleeping in, playing video games, and hanging out with his friends have been thwarted by his mother who is forcing him to work instead. Romance ensues as the boys spend time learning about each other and making the food truck successful. They take turns narrating the chapters and Konigsberg masterfully creates a unique voice for each boy. This most important feat of this novel is the insight it gives to the issue of young men and rape; it feels as powerful as Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak. Recommended for grades 10 and up.  Recommended for Cream of the Crop. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School