While thirteen-year-old Bart's life is far from easy, he is the eternal optimist. He cares for his dysfunctional mom who is out of work, helps out at the public housing development where they live, and takes boxing lessons for self-defense. And he loves to sing operatic arias. Secretly, of course! When his new friend (who can't keep a secret) signs him up for the school talent show, the bullies come out. Secrets become known, worries escalate, and Bart realizes his life might be changed forever . . . maybe for the better.

2017 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book, 2017 USBBY Outstanding International Book, and recipient of the Norwegian Ministry of Culture's Best Young Adult Fiction Award.

The author is one of Norway's most prominent writers for children and young adults.

Norway. Originally published in Norwegian as Sangen om en Brukkt Nese by Gyldendal Norsk Forlag in 2012. English translation by Kari Dickson published in the United States by Margaret K. McElderry Books in 2016.