Candidly Cline - by Kathryn Ormsbee (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Cline Alden's grandmother says that music is in the family's blood, but Cline's mother is dead-set against her daughter's dreams of becoming a country music singer; Cline is determined to find the money to attend a Young Singer-Songwriter Workshop in Lexington (not too far from her Paris, Kentucky home), so now she has a lot on her mind--she is hiding things from her mother, she is losing her beloved grandmother to Alzheimer's, and she has begun to acknowledge, to herself at least, that she is more attracted to girls then boys."--

Book Synopsis

A must-read for fans of Julie Murphy and Ashley Herring Blake, this queer coming-of-age story from critically acclaimed author Kathryn Ormsbee sings with heart, warmth, and hope. An ALA Rainbow Book List selection!

Born in Paris, Kentucky, and raised on her gram's favorite country music, Cline Alden is a girl with big dreams and a heart full of song. When she finds out about a young musicians' workshop a few towns over, Cline sweet-talks, saves, and maybe fibs her way into her first step toward musical stardom.

But her big dreams never prepared her for the butterflies she feels surrounded by so many other talented kids--especially Sylvie, who gives Cline the type of butterflies she's only ever heard about in love songs.

As she learns to make music of her own, Cline begins to realize how much of herself she's been holding back. But now, there's a new song taking shape in her heart--if only she can find her voice and sing it.

"Empowering, affirming, and sweet as all get-out." --Lisa Jenn Bigelow, author of Drum Roll, Please

Review Quotes

"Offers readers an inspiring combination of self-awareness, bravery, and passion" - Horn Book Magazine

"Like a perfect country song, CANDIDLY CLINE sings a sweet and empowering tune of hope, friendship, and the beauty that comes from chasing seemingly impossible dreams. Cline Alden is my hero." - Ashley Herring Blake, Stonewall Honor author of Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

"Cline Louise Alden is a character you can't help but cheer for in this endearing story about finding your voice and pursuing your dream. A tender exploration of the power of different kinds of love and making your own music." - Nicole Melleby, author of How to Become a Planet

"Thrums with the joy of weaving your heart's whispers into a song for all to hear. Empowering, affirming, and sweet as all get-out." - Lisa Jenn Bigelow, author of Drum Roll, Please

"Confident, candid, and immensely endearing. Destined for the spotlight." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Lyrical and full of country twang. Cline is a relatable tween protagonist who shows readers what it takes to live authentically and be true to yourself." - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Warm and hopeful." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)