The Planet of Junior Brown

Written by Virginia Hamilton

A musical prodigy and his friend face a secret's exposure. Can they survive the fallout?

3.7/5 Goodreads · 877 ratings

224 pages

$8.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Junior Brown, a gifted pianist, struggles with bullying and an overbearing mother. His only solace is his friendship with Buddy Clark, a homeless classmate. Together, they escape to a hidden cellar with Mr. Pool, the janitor. But when their secret is uncovered, will their bond withstand the consequences? As Junior's grip on reality slips, the stakes rise. Can friendship and music save them from the chaos of middle school and beyond?

From the publisher

Junior Brown is a musical prodigy losing touch with reality and everyone around him–except for one important friend. Junior Brown is different than the other kids in his eighth-grade class. For one, he weighs three hundred pounds. He’s also a talented musician with a serious future as a professional pianist–if he survives middle school. With an overbearing mom, disappointed teachers, and fellow students who tease him mercilessly, Junior starts to slip away into his own mind. His last hope may be his only friend, Buddy Clark, a boy in his class without a home or family who has already learned some of life’s toughest lessons. Together, they find refuge and a creative outlet with the sympathetic janitor Mr. Pool, but when their secret cellar room is discovered, will the boys make it through the fallout?