A Duet For Home

Karina Yan Glaser
56 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2022

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Book Brief

Karina Yan Glaser

A Duet For Home

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Bronx, New York • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Coming of Age

•

Friendship
Topic
Music
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Clarion Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

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Super Short Summary

A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser follows the journey of a young girl and her mother, who find themselves in a shelter after losing their home. As the girl navigates her new environment, she discovers friendship, resilience, and the power of music to connect and heal amidst challenging circumstances.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Contemplative

Hopeful

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

3,946 ratings

84%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

A Duet For Home by Karina Yan Glaser offers a heartfelt story exploring themes of loss, belonging, and resilience. Readers praise the vivid character development and emotional depth. However, some feel the pacing lags in places. Overall, it’s a moving narrative that resonates with both young readers and adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Duet For Home?

A reader who enjoys A Duet For Home by Karina Yan Glaser is likely drawn to heartwarming, family-centered stories that address themes of belonging, resilience, and community. Fans of Front Desk by Kelly Yang or Wonder by R.J. Palacio will appreciate the emotional depth and social themes explored in this book.

4.2

3,946 ratings

84%

Loved it

14%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

An 11-year-old Chinese American girl navigating life in a shelter for unhoused people, who is also a talented viola player developing her sense of agency and community.

A sixth-grader of Black and Chinese ancestry who has lived at Huey House for three years, displaying a love for classical music and a mischievous yet kind nature.

Tyrell's best friend and something of a role model with a keen focus on academics, balanced by a shared inclination for mischief.

A warm and welcoming 16-year-old resident of Huey House who helps new arrivals feel at home and serves as a big-sister figure.

The head of family services at Huey House, committed to genuinely helping residents, especially young people, beyond just meeting official expectations.

The chief antagonist representing bureaucratic indifference, focused on strict adherence to rules rather than the residents' individual needs.

A passionate violinist living next to Huey House, initially intimidating, but ultimately supportive as she helps June with her music.

June’s six-year-old sister who adores dogs and inadvertently helps her family by inspiring their togetherness.

The parents of June and Maybelle, with Mrs. Yang initially overwhelmed by grief, and Mr. Yang deceased.

A problematic parent struggling with stability but showing moments of defiance against displacement.

The head of security at Huey House who is supportive and helpful to the residents, especially June.

A cook from Hawaii who cares for the residents’ needs, despite her seemingly grumpy demeanor.

The maintenance man who provides critical support to the residents by driving them when needed.

A front desk worker with an unreciprocated crush on Marcus, known for her neglect in communicating messages to residents.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Bronx, New York • Contemporary

Theme
Family

•

Coming of Age

•

Friendship
Topic
Music
First Publication Year

2022

Publisher

Clarion Books

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

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