Libby Bloom wishes she could be as smart and talented as her practically perfect sister. But Libby's only talent seems to be embarrassing herself. So she's horrified when, after causing a scene during chorus, she's switched to band class. Even worse, Mr. Cheney, the band teacher, assigns her to play the tuba-not exactly a low-profile instrument! Lessons with the perceptive Mr. Cheney, however, are about more than just music. Soon Libby learns that she can do something well-something that might even help save her school.

Clumsy but determined, Libby Bloom is a character whose hilarious embarrassments, wishes, and triumphs readers will recognize all too well. Beata Szpura's funky illustrations add to the humor of the story of one unforgettable fourth-grader.