Shaheen is a tween whose father is super into old music, and boy does he love to talk about it. He never talks about anything else. Shaheen explodes at him one day in an innocent fight, but then her father goes missing. The last place he was seen was at his favorite old record store. Shaheen and her cousin Tannez go investigate, and discover a unique jukebox in the attic of the abandoned store. They put a record on to play, a Bessie Smith album. Before they realize what is happening, they are whisked back in time to the album’s release, the 1920s, and shortly it becomes clear that Shaheen’s dad is lost somewhere in time.
This is a very cute graphic novel for younger tweens. The plot is pretty simple, and I found it a little dull. But my 3rd and 4th grade book club kids loved it. The illustrations are very twee and squee, and the featured music is a great introduction to classic jazz and Motown. I think it could use more investment in character and conflict, but it’s certainly a sweet book for any kid tearing through graphic novels, and a way to introduce kids to fantasy or historical fiction who are unsure about the genre.