Clap When You Land meets On the Come Up in this heart-gripping story about navigating first love and overcoming grief through the power of music.
Aarón Medrano has been haunted by the onstage persona of his favorite musician ever since his mother passed away. He seems to know all of Aarón’s deepest fears, like that his brain doesn’t work the way it should and that’s why his brother and father seems to be pushing him away. He thinks his ticket out is a scholarship to the prestigious Acadia School of Music. That is, if he can avoid blowing his audition.
Mia Villanueva has a haunting of her own and it’s the only family heirloom her parents left her: doubt. It’s the reason she can’t overcome her stage fright or believe that her music is worth making. Even though her trumpet teacher tells her she has a gift, she’s not sure if she’ll ever figure out how to use it or if she’s even deserving of it in the first place.
When Aarón and Mia cross paths, Aarón sees a chance to get close to the girl he’s had a crush on for years and to finally feel connected to someone since losing his mother. Mia sees a chance to hold herself accountable by making them both face their fears, and hopefully make their dreams come true. But soon they’ll realize there’s something much scarier than getting up on stage—falling in love with a broken heart.
Praise for Heartbreak Symphony
“Kemp’s latest novel is a multilayered symphony in itself, keeping the reader’s emotions heightened from the first sentence until the finale, during which readers will be left breathless in wonder. Kemp effortlessly creates beautifully flawed characters who are impossible to forget. This story is not a story of despair or of longing; rather, this is a story of community and culture, and of creating spaces for healing and acceptance.”
“Kemp eloquently captures how the warmth and strength of a community of mentors can impact a young person’s life. This story will be resounding in readers’ hearts long after they’ve turned the last page. With the lyricism of Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe and Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s works, this novel is recommended for all collections.”
“...a powerfully emotional story about two teens pursuing their dreams in a difficult world. Kemp writes vivid, loving descriptions of the Monte Vista community... Kemp is careful to not minimize the hardship and heartache our characters are up against but still offers a conclusion of hope, healing, and perseverance in adversity. ”
“A lyrical standalone about pursuing one’s dreams despite impossible odds.”
“HEARTBREAK SYMPHONY is a heartwarming, soul-searing coming-of-age journey. Laekan Zea Kemp takes equal measures of grief, hope, and love, creating a story so immersive, readers will hear its songs emanating from the pages. You'll not only root for Aarón and Mia's romance, but also the ways they teach each other to be brave.” —Raquel Vasquez Gilliland, author of How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe
“A gripping, authentic, and vivid portrayal of grief and the many ways it can manifest itself.” —Jonny Garza Villa, author of Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun