One-line summary:

Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that explores the challenges of family, friendship, and illness through the eyes of a teenage boy.

The Journey of Steven Alper

Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick follows the journey of Steven Alper, a typical eighth-grader who loves playing the drums and dreams of becoming a famous musician. Steven’s life takes an unexpected turn when his younger brother, Jeffrey, is diagnosed with leukemia. Suddenly, Steven finds himself grappling with the realities of his brother’s illness, the strain it puts on his family, and the emotional rollercoaster of being a teenager.

Finding Support in Unlikely Places

As Steven tries to navigate his new reality, he discovers unexpected sources of support. At school, he forms a bond with Annette, a girl who shares his passion for music and becomes a close friend. Together, they face the challenges of adolescence and find solace in their shared love for drumming. Steven also finds support in his English teacher, Mr. Galuzzi, who encourages him to express his emotions through writing. Through these relationships, Steven learns the importance of leaning on others during difficult times.

The Struggles of Family and Illness

The heart of the story lies in the Alper family’s struggle to cope with Jeffrey’s illness. Steven’s parents are consumed by their son’s diagnosis, leaving Steven feeling neglected and overlooked. He grapples with feelings of guilt for wanting attention and the weight of being the “healthy” sibling. As the family’s financial situation worsens due to medical bills, Steven’s mother takes on extra work, leaving Steven to take care of Jeffrey. Through these challenges, Steven learns the true meaning of family and the strength that can be found in unity.

Key Takeaways:

• Family support is crucial in times of crisis.
• Friendship can provide solace and strength during difficult times.
• Expressing emotions through creative outlets can be therapeutic.
• Illness affects not only the patient but also their loved ones.
• Strength can be found in unity and the power of a supportive community.

“Sometimes you just have to put on lip gloss and pretend to be psyched.”

Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie is a poignant and heartwarming tale that explores the challenges of family, friendship, and illness. Through Steven’s journey, readers are reminded of the importance of support, both from family and friends, during times of crisis. The novel also highlights the power of creative outlets, such as music and writing, as a means of emotional expression. Ultimately, the story serves as a reminder that strength can be found in unity and that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope.