Review of Tig Ripley: Hard Rock

Tig Ripley: Hard Rock, Book Two

by Ginger Rue

After winning an advertising contest with a video featuring her middle school, all-girl rock band, Tig Ripley works hard to make Pandora’s Box a success. As the band’s leader, it falls to Tig to deal with Kyra, Tig’s cousin and the band’s bass player who promises to practice but never does. When Robbie, the lead guitarist and Tig’s best friend, introduces the talented, beautiful, and oh-so-nice Paris to replace Kyra on bass, Tig must confront both her cousin’s failure to commit to the band and her own jealousy over Paris. To confuse things more, Olivia, the keyboardist, wonders if her boyfriend Will really likes someone else while Tig stoically refuses to allow her feelings for Will to show out of loyalty to Olivia. Unfortunately, Tig’s arch nemesis from 7th grade, Reagan, figures out Tig’s secret crush on Will. In spite of the drama, Tig tries to keep her perspective on preparing for the band’s first paying gig while juggling multiple relationship troubles. Rue balances Tig’s feelings as she struggles to maintain and gain friendships while working toward her goal of making her band a success. The tension builds and ebbs throughout the novel though Rue never lets Tig struggle too long with any one problem. A good talk and a heartfelt apology solve most of Tig’s problems. It’s refreshing to see female middle school characters presented with humor, charm, and realistic maturity. This sequel is a go-to novel for girl power and is a benefit to any middle school classroom or library shelf.