Don’t Be Cruel by Barbara Portman

Don’t be Cruel by Barbara Vortmann relates the adventures of Melanie, a teenage girl who runs away from home. She takes the bus to Memphis where she hopes to form a band and to become a star. Flat broke and with little more than a pair of drum sticks, she befriends another runaway girl who sings, and together they record a record and join with other young musicians to perform.

Melanie shows courage and perseverance as she faces tragedy and shame. The author fills the story with warmth, humor, and love, and I had to wipe away tears at the end.