Thoughtful and likable characters in an interesting story. The magical realism isn’t too fantastical to make the story believable if you accept the premise of a magical guitar. And it takes you on a little journey in music history too!

Listening to the audiobook with my almost-6th grade son, we are both enjoying it so far. It’s a sweet story that centers a second generation American boy with a single, hardworking immigrant mom.

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks
by Tsvi Jolles

A Joyful, Musical Journey of Self-Discovery

This tender and charming novel offers a heartfelt portrait of a young teen’s journey toward self-discovery and finding his voice through the transformative power of music. Following Leo’s personal and musical growth is an absolute delight—each chapter reveals a new layer of confidence as he begins to understand both who he is and the role music plays in his life.

What makes this story especially rich is its multicultural flavor. The vibrant presence of Latin American culture and the natural use of Spanish throughout the dialogue give the narrative an authentic and deeply personal touch. The supporting characters—friends, family, mentors—are all navigating their own stages of growth and change, creating a tapestry of transitions that mirror Leo’s own evolution.

Leo’s imagined (or perhaps magical) encounters with musical legends are a joy to read, as are the many references to different genres and artists woven into the story. Music here isn’t just a theme—it’s a living, breathing presence, connecting people across emotions, moments, and generations. It moves alongside the characters, echoing their joys, challenges, and triumphs.

A beautifully crafted, uplifting tale that resonates long after the final note—this story truly makes the heart sing. Easily a 5-⭐️ read for me.

A beautifully told, dual-language young adult book on the importance and power of music, magic, family, and friendships, told with exquisite imagery.

I was first attracted by Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks by the whimsical cover and the idea of magical music. What I found was an exploration of confidence and voice using the power of an unusual guitar with interesting characters and an intriguing plot line.

This is mainly a slice of life story, following Leo Hernandez on his 13th birthday and in the weeks afterward, as he navigates school, friendships, hormones. It's coupled with his new magical guitar that brings an ethereal tone as well as the occasional visit from a famous musician, mostly to give Leo a life lesson that he has to unravel the meaning of himself. The magic was very mystical and fitting for the type of story this is. I was surprised when a living musician showed up later on and wasn't sure about how it was going to go, but it didn't feel too awkward. Leo himself was interesting, dealing with a distant loss and struggling to let himself be heard, but as the story goes on, gains confidence as he learns more about life and takes the musical lessons to heart. The rest of the cast was intriguing and fleshed out, many of them also going through some type of life change or transition. I liked his teacher and his best friend a lot, and I felt so bad for Shane several times throughout the story.

The story is fast paced with shorter chapters and goes through many adventures through the book's length. The theme of honing in a voice and the connection of music in all aspects of our lives was really elaborated well. The Colombian culture was also alive with food and Spanish lingo throughout, as Leo is Colombian-American from Athens, Georgia.

The narration by Diana Bustelo was a great fit, and I'm starting to really love her voice after listening her do another book earlier this year, and had a soothing voice and switched between English and Spanish well.

The ending is a great lead in for more books in the series and I'm looking forward to them whenever they come!

This was a very cute story. I think stories where boys have and have to deal with their emotions are needed. Without giving away too many spoilers, I like the interactions with Shane, Tammy, and even Derek. I know middle school was a hard time for me with friends going to different schools, becoming interested in different things, and crushes coming into the picture and I thought this book did a good job of dealing with those topics. Definitely recommend for middle grade kids.

I also enjoyed all the Spanish, I'm trying to learn and I always appreciate some practice. The narrator did a great job with the Spanish.

I also have no idea if any of the information about the guitar and/or the musical chords were true, but the author sounded like they knew what they were talking about.

It was a really pleasant listen, I really enjoyed it. The narrating is amazing. The story is touching, well written. I enjoyed every bit of it. Leo is a moving character and i really enjoyed getting to see him explore and experience life and music! The multicultural flavour makes it amazing too. Definitely recommend it!

Really fun realistic fiction/magical realism read for middle grade! I love the inclusion of Spanish so seamlessly, the wide range of musicians explored and the relatable themes for middle schoolers. This story follows Leo through some school drama, an emotional series of song writing nights, and his first crush!

I really enjoyed this book. It’s such a good coming-of-age storyline. It’s a great fantasy book while still being relatable as it wasn’t too fantastic.
I loved the use of different musicians throughout, and from different genres too. I’m interested in the rest of the series!
I really liked the narrator for this audiobook as well. She was relaxing to listen to and did a great job with both Spanish and English being throughout the book.

I really wanted to love this. There was something about it that just didn't work. It could be that B.B. King and John Lennon just didn't work for me. The narrator, who is very good otherwise, really didn't land those voices, and the written voices of them felt wrong. I am all about a magic guitar and this nod to Field of Dreams, but something didn't land. I normally can see how a middle-reader would love a middle-reader book like this, but I just don't see it.

The focus of learning and healing through music was so refreshing! While we may not all have magical guitars, many of us learn to process feelings and events through the magic that is music. Diversity, familial love, and hard topics were written so well in an age appropriate way. I adored being an ARC reader.

This story is the perfect combination of a variety of genres- realistic fiction and fantasy!
Leo and the magic guitar sent to him from his uncle brings him closer to his musical talent, emotions and father’s memory. This story spans all the musical great from BB King, John Lennon, Taylor Swift, Prince and even Adele. These musicians show themselves in a fantastical way as Leo plays. This is a super cool component to the story.
The realistic fiction story line of Leo, his friend Shane, and romantic interest Tammy as well as him mom and favorite teacher Mr Jenkins provides lots of opportunities for Leo to share his guitar experiences. Complete with class bully Derek- Leo is faced with many challenges and inner struggles. Also, there is the history class that links the home and school life with projects that require Leo to use his music. Kind of interesting.
This story is written with lots of comparisons and figurative language.
It was almost two stories in one and to recommend it the reader must have the stamina to follow both stories and have patience for it to conclude. At parts I felt it was “over talked” if you know what I mean.
Topics: music lovers, creative process, relationship, divorce, death of a parent, friendship, a bit of romance
Recommended: grade 7 or mature 6th due to romance and complex plot

#netgallery

This is a really beautiful children’s audiobook that brings music, magic while managing how a child might navigate grief within their life.

Leo doesn’t quite believe I signs from the universe but he does believe in his music he loves his guitar, his mum his best friend Shane and his loss of his father was obviously a difficult time for him and hard to process. It impacts him in a way he doesn’t have confidence in his ability to play his music but with much encouragement from his mum, Shane and others around him playing their favourite songs from Amy Winehouse, Prince to Guns and Roses they all find their place in this story.

A beautiful ending with Leo playing the end purple rain and seeing prince in his minds eye out there he felt invincible and the whole crowd were all captivated, when Leo finished his performance he couldn’t believe the applause he received. He realised when he just let go and allowed himself to be vulnerable and believe in himself he could achieve his dreams.

A story filled with love, hope, faith, unity, friendship, magical experiences and overall achievement of dreams you may feel are out of reach. Don’t stop believing 🎼🎸🎤

With thanks to NetGalley & Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op / Brave Fawn Books for the ELC in return for an honest review.

📚🎧🙏🏽❤️

A cute story about Leo who is able to navigate through difficult moments with the help of his magical guitar that brings musicians who can give him advice. Perfect for young readers as the writing is a bit shallow, but is full of relatable topics. So many things happen during one's teenage years so I think this is perfect to read with your kids. Personally, I read it because I liked the book cover art and I saw it available as an audiobook. The narration was great.

The story was cute, it follows Leo, a 13 year old boy, who receives a magical guitar that lets him talk to the spirits of other musicians(dead and alive), when he needs their advice the most. The advice is not only music related but it's tied to what is happening in his life, being bullied, weird rumours, first love and friendship.
Most of the characters were likable, except Derek, he was so infuriating. Leo's relationship with his mom and with Shane were the best.
I actually enjoyed the spanish words here and there, despite it being a bit repetitive, the narrator made it sound natural.

This is a very sweet and meaningful middle grade novel that works well as an audiobook.
Leo is a 13 year old who loves to play guitar and is dealing with drama with classmates at school and his mom being between jobs. He is bilingual and speaks in Spanish with his mom. The Spanish is woven seamlessly into the audio narration and is defined well by context of the conversation or translation by another character.
The guitar Leo is given by his uncle has a touch of magic to it and brings about stars old and new that even todays youth will be able to identify such as Prince, John Lennon, Taylor Swift, and Adele.
Leo seems to deal with some anxiety and big feelings throughout the novel and a subtle thread about coping skills are woven into the text without it being the main point of the plot. There’s important exploration of bullying, friendship, self care, and compassion.
Overall this is a great pick for grades 4-7, especially those who want to read about slightly older characters while maintaining clean language and themes.

Leo and the Magic Guitar of the Ozarks
Leo's Magical Journeys, Book 1
by Tsvi Jolles Was enjoyable and thought provoking, also I enjoyed this narration. Thank you for sharing as listen now on net galley!