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Heartbreak Symphony

by Laekan Zea Kemp

Subject
Romance - Contemporary
Age
Teen
Format
Trade Paperback
Pages
384
Publisher
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Size
13.7 cm × 20.8 cm
ISBN
9780316460392

Clap When You Land meets On the Come Up in this heart-gripping story about navigating first love and overcoming grief through the power of music.

Aarón Medrano
has been haunted by the onstage persona of his favorite DJ ever since his mother passed away. He seems to know all of Aarón’s deepest fears, like how his brain doesn’t work the way it should and that’s why his brother and father seem to be pushing him away. He thinks his ticket out is a scholarship to the prestigious Acadia School of Music. That is, if he can avoid blowing his audition.

Mia Villanueva has a haunting of her own and it’s the only family heirloom her parents left her: doubt. It’s the reason she can’t overcome her stage fright or believe that her music is worth making. Even though her trumpet teacher tells her she has a gift, she’s not sure if she’ll ever figure out how to use it or if she’s even deserving of it in the first place.

When Aarón and Mia cross paths, Aarón sees a chance to get close to the girl he’s had a crush on for years and to finally feel connected to someone since losing his mother. Mia sees a chance to hold herself accountable by making them both face their fears, and hopefully make their dreams come true. But soon they’ll realize there’s something much scarier than getting up on stage—falling in love with a broken heart.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

"Lush imagery celebrates Mexican culture and depicts how food can bring people ­together. . . . not to be missed."
School Library Journal
"Wonderfully realized characters, a vibrant setting, and so much more. I loved this."
Melina Marchetta, award-winning author of Jellicoe Road
"Students will enjoy the food descriptions and community culture that lend the story a sense of authenticity and believability."
School Library Connection
"Pen and Xander's unforgettable love story refuses to sugarcoat difficult topics, but instead deftly explores them with a thoughtful hand. A cathartic read and new favorite author."
Nina Moreno, author of Don't Date Rosa Santos
"A heartwarming, soul-searing coming-of-age journey."
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.