The Beat I Drum

Name: The Beat I Drum
Brand: Union Square Kids
SKU: 9781454957058
Price: 16.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Hardback

Variants

by Dusti Bowling

$16.99

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“This story was everything I wanted it to be. Heartfelt, thoughtful, and most of all . . . full of hope. I loved it!”
—Lindsay Currie, New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Locked Rooms

Connor, beloved best friend of Aven Green from Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, tells his own story in this poignant and heartwarming tale about overcoming the challenges of life with Tourette’s.

Connor Bradley is dreading the first day of high school. Not just because he is new, or because he misses his best friends, but because he knows the other kids won’t understand his barking and tics. Connor has Tourette Syndrome, and every day has been a challenge—from the mimicking to the laughing, the questions, and the stares. It turns out school isn’t quite as bad as he expected. Connor forms a fast friendship with a girl who also has Tourette’s and is welcomed into her accepting circle of friends. He also meets a special music teacher who encourages him to take up the drums to manage his stress, and maybe get a break from his tics.

But Connor’s world is turned upside down when his absent father reappears and a bully starts to escalate at school. All these problems—with family, with friends, and even with himself—build and build until Connor feels ready to explode. Will a surprising revelation save him and help him find his beat again?

Endearing and authentic, The Beat I Drum offers an empathetic look at a misunderstood syndrome, the therapeutic value of music, and the power of forgiveness.

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Published By Union Square Kids

Format Hardback

Category

Kids

Social Issues

Number Of Pages 272

Publication Date 04/01/2025

ISBN 9781454957058

Dimensions 5.95 inches x 8.65 inches

"This story was everything I wanted it to be. Heartfelt, thoughtful, and most of all . . . full of hope. I loved it!" —Lindsay Currie, New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Locked Rooms

"As a fan of Conner from the Life of a Cactus books, I was delighted to see him star in his own story! While trying to build a new life after the old one blew up, Connor’s compassion, empathy, and determination shine through even when his anger reaches a boiling point. Though Connor’s condition–Tourette Syndrome–is a unique one, readers will connect to the universal need for connection and his feelings of isolation and frustration. With a balance of heartbreak and humor, The Beat I Drum is a captivating story about forgiveness, belonging, and playing to your own unique rhythm." - Lynne Kelly, USA Today bestselling author of Song For a Whale and The Secret Language of Birds

“One of the best companion books that I have ever read. . . An absolute must read.”
—@colbysharp

“This novel is truly a door to empathy, understanding, and self-reflection. Highly recommended as a great choice to any public or school library collection.”
—School Library Journal, STARRED Review—SLJ

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