The Power of Harmony — Jan L. Coates

On Ontario Library Association Best Bets List 2013

Jennifer's dream is to become a famous singer--except she's terrified of singing in public. Since her best friend moved away, Jenn has become the target of the bullies at school. But when a Native girl, Melody, joins the class, the bullies have a new victim. Jenn's heard what people, including her own grandmother, say about "those people." But, as she gets to know her new classmate, she discovers that, like her, Melody enjoys books and reading. She also finds that both of them love music.
Set in Springhill, Nova Scotia during the late 1960s, this story of peer cruelty, faith, mortality, racism, and friendship perfectly captures time and place as its young narrator, Jennifer, struggles to find her voice and ultimately discovers the power of harmony.

Reviews:
""The Power of Harmony" is worth a read for someone who is looking for realistic fiction, an historical setting, or character development centered around issues like bullying and racism. . . Ideal for classroom use or book clubs, is a book most likely appreciated by avid readers more so than the average Grade 5 reader.
Recommended"
-- "CM Magazine"