KATHERINE KEYES series
Katherine Keyes is a remarkable talent - a young musician and artist whose skills lead to opportunities that push her well out of her comfort zone. With her sights set on the prestigious Valley View School for the Performing Arts, Katherine encounters challenges that leave her questioning her place and her future. But Katherine is nothing if not resilient. Together with her friends, both music-focused and anything-but, she takes a deep breath and tackles those obstacles head-on, and inadvertently starting a movement that changes everything.
KATHERINE LOST
As she pulled the blankets up to her chin, the sense of unreality shifted into something more akin to grief. This day was supposed to end much differently. How did it go so wrong? Katherine’s musical ability was supposed to land her a spot at the prestigious Valley View School for the Performing Arts – everyone assumed she would be going there next year. But when her audition is derailed by stage fright, she is sent into a tailspin… lost. Desperate to put it behind her, she ignores her friends’ messages and works hard to hide in plain sight. Extraordinary talent is hard to keep down, thought, and Katherine soon finds herself pulled into these new challenges, it’s not long before she realizes that performing again is inevitable. In spite of her friends’ assurances, she’s not sure that she can do it. Can these opportunities reveal her true self? Is it possible that she is no longer lost, but rather… found?
Praise for Katherine Lost:
"Ryan masterfully weaves a heartfelt tale of sixth-grade pianists Katherine Keyes as she experiences the trials and tribulations of pursuing her musical passion. Young musicians and creative artists will certainly relate to the captivating story that illustrates the power of making music."
- Dr. Pamela D. Pike, Professor
Piano Pedagogy, Louisiana State University
Editor-in-Chief/Chief Content Director, Piano Magazine: Clavier Companion
Author, Dynamic Group-Piano Teaching
"Katherine Lost is a wonderful, descriptive narrative that will be so accessible and appealing to young musicians. Even non-musicians in the middle-school age category will delight in reading how th protagonist Katherine overcame her struggles. The relatable characters that Charlene Ryan so carefully crafted help bring to life the typical feelings and challenges that are associated with performing."
- Dr. Diana Dumlavwalla, Associate Professor
Piano Pedagogy, Florida State University
President, Florida State Music Teachers Association
Author, Generations Z and Alpha Students at the Piano
"Curl up with this captivating story and let Katherine steer you through a particularly interesting and introspective time in her young, talented life."
- Dr. Michael J. Wagner, Professor and Director (retired)
Music Education, Florida International University
NEW!
KATHERINE'S QUESTION
“Keep moving, she told herself. This is the hardest part. Suddenly thinking of her friends and the adventures they each were embarking on today, Katherine wondered briefly how Naomi, Bridget, and Maren were doing, as she willed herself to keep going, following the crowd. But fate had other plans, directing her feet to stumble against the door jamb and tumbling her full-on into the group of kids directly to her right. This was not how she had imagined today going. It was only 8:15.”
Katherine’s musical adventures at the prestigious Valley View School for the Performing Arts are off to a bumpy start. But she soon finds her place, her people, and her peace. Until a new-old challenge arises and she begins to question everything. Spiraling into darkness, her art guides her back to clarity as she takes stock of the people and events around her. One critical question forms in Katherine’s mind and, as she pushes through her fear to find the answer, she soon finds that she herself holds the key. And that changes everything.