Fiddle Fever

By Sharon Arms Doucet

Book Overview

Although it is 1914 and the world is changing all around him, Felix LeBlanc feels trapped on his Louisiana farmhouse, where nothing ever happens. When he hears his uncle, 'Nonc Adolphe, play the fiddle for the first time, he knows there's music in his blood, and he's determined to be a musician, too. However, he's too poor to buy his own fiddle, and to make matters worse, Maman has forbidden him to even touch one, fearing that he'll choose the wayward life of a fiddler. And so Felix begins to build his own fiddle out of a crude cigar box and a piece of cypress wood, keeping it a secret from his family and even his best friend, Chance. It is a solitary journey that will require all of his ingenuity--and place at risk the relationships that are dearest to him.

Set against the colorful backdrop of the Cajun bayous, Fiddle Fever relays an important message about the universal need for self-expression and the compromises we must all make in our search for individuality. Glossary of French terms.

Can a boy with nothing but a dream and a handmade instrument find his voice against the wishes of his family?

Rich Historical Setting: Immerse yourself in the vibrant food, music, and traditions of 1914 Cajun Louisiana.A Forbidden Passion: F lix knows music is in his blood, but his Maman has forbidden him from even touching a fiddle, forcing him to choose between his family and his dream.A Handmade Instrument: With no money for a real instrument, F lix secretly builds his own fiddle from a cigar box and a piece of cypress wood.Heartfelt Coming of Age: A powerful story about finding your own voice, the compromises we make for individuality, and what it means to be true to yourself.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618776826
• ISBN13: 9780618776825
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.2" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9