At twelve years of age, Allegra Shapiro is a very talented violinist. In fact, she is spending her summer preparing a Mozart concerto to perform in the Ernest Bloch Young Musicians' Competition, with herself as the youngest competitor. Allegra is also a "normal" 12-year-old, involved in ongoing jousting with her older brother, secretive late-night bicycling, and spending time with her friends. In developing her own approach to the concerto, an interplay of family, self, and old and new friends influence Allegra's personal insight and, ultimately, her musical interpretation. This appealing description of a believable gifted child features a splendid portrayal of a gradual creative process. Co-winner, 1991 CCBC Newbery Discussion. (Age 12 and older)