REVIEWS & READER VIEWS
See the Music, Hear the Light
BookLife (Printed in Publishers Weekly 5/18/2026)
"Daniel's voice is the book's greatest strength. He narrates in short, staccato bursts
that move like jazz riffs, funny and observant in equal measure..."
"Daniel's unique way of relating to the world around him draws readers in on
every page."
"The question of what it means to be brave when your body and mind work differently
from those around you runs through every chapter, arriving at an honest, heartfelt
resolution that sees Daniel... after coming-of-age epiphanies... declaring that 'life isn't
life without music.'"
Mia Fillipone, Senior at Syracuse University
"This book captured my spirit as a person and I want the world to know more about Williams syndrome."
Brendan LeMieux, Musician, Co-host of The Starry-Eyed Podcast
"It speaks my truth."
Sharon M. Libera, PhD. , Co-Founder of Belvoir Terrace WS Music Camp, & Berkshire Hills Music Acade
"See the Music Hear the Light is a triumph, a dramatic story that is told with wit and humor. Anne LeMieux, who is also a musician, succeeds uniquely in bringing readers into the sound-sensitive and music-attuned mind of a struggling but exceptional high schooler with WS." June 20, 2026
Joan Cornachio, M.S. Ed. (Empowered Family Futures, LLC)
"A sweet, poignant YA novel about a freshman navigating bullying, friendship, school, and music while living with Williams syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder. At its heart, the story explores the bond between a single mother and her son as he begins to understand his own identity while managing the anxiety that often comes with his condition.
Told with warmth, humor, and striking musical detail, the novel makes music feel essential—not just as an interest, but as the language of Daniel’s inner world. The descriptions of sound, rhythm, and color are especially vivid, showing how deeply music shapes the way he understands himself, and connects to the memory of his deceased musician dad. Shakespeare references add another layer of richness and fun, while descriptive exchanges between Daniel and his classmates in the Resource Room broaden the story’s portrait of neurodivergence with compassion and authenticity. The result is an uplifting, deeply felt novel full of sensitivity, resilience, and heart." June 8, 2026
Nella Lemieux, Senior, University of Rhode Island, Communications/Writing
5 STARS
* * * * *
Summary: See The Music Hear The Light follows Daniel James Durkin, Jr., a talented musician (whose rare genetic makeup, Williams syndrome, a.k.a. WS, comes with both gifts and challenges) from his first grueling week of Marching Band Camp through his freshman year of high school.
With its first-person narrative grounded in lived family experience of WS, See The Music Hear The Light is uniquely positioned among middle grade and young adult fiction about characters with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a.k.a. IDD, to open a window and share what life from their perspective can look like.
Personal Opinion: I found this story to be very moving. LeMieux was able to find the perfect balance of humor and depth. She was able to lighten a heavy subject while still portraying the message to the readers that "Your biggest difference can also be your greatest superpower." The book addresses not only Daniel's hardships, including high school bullies, but highlights his talent for music as well as his gift for empathy.
One of my favorite parts of this book was the unexpected humor, especially in the character of Dalton 2.0.
Background Information: LeMieux's personal background with this topic imparts a deeper meaning to the book that resonates as authentic. In 2000, when her son was diagnosed with Williams syndrome, LeMieux's focus turned from writing toward advocacy and supporting the WS community. For over a decade she served as manager and guitarist/bassist for his band of WS musicians, The Kandoo Band. This book is a great depiction of her devotion to this cause.
Target Audience: I would say this book is targeted toward tweens, those who have Williams syndrome, and friends or family of those with this condition, as well as other IDDs. Any high school or middle-school-aged kid could benefit from reading this book, as I believe it spreads a message of kindness, and supporting one another, especially people with differences. This is very important to learn at a young age.
Next, those with this condition would definitely benefit from reading this book as it would likely resonate with them and make them feel understood.
Lastly, I believe that this book is targeted to the friends and family of those with Williams syndrome. In reading it, they will gain a better understanding of what it's like to live as their loved one does.
Overall: This book is heartwarming, funny, and deeply moving. I would definitely recommend giving it a read!
Tony Concannon, Program Manager, Writer, ESL educator
SEE THE MUSIC HEAR THE LIGHT by Anne LeMieux is the story of Daniel James Durkin, Jr., a high school freshman. Like all high school freshmen, Daniel navigates his way through a new school, makes friends, and tries to avoid the bullies. Unlike most high school freshmen, though, Daniel has Williams syndrome. He is a musician but he is extra sensitive to noise. He is friendly, but he can be overly-trusting. He's in the marching band but he sometimes trips because his coordination isn't great.
Daniel lives with his mother who lovingly and wisely keeps her eye. on his life. Daniel never met his father, who died before Daniel was born, but he carries his father's Marine Corps Boot Camp Challenge Coin. A subplot of the story is Daniel's quest for more independence played out against his worry over separating from his mother as she tries to have her own life.
The prose is straightforward and the plot advances swiftly and clearly. It is a book for teachers and other professionals who work with people with disabilities. It is a book for students and young adults who wish to understand life from a different perspective. And it is a book for all of us, as we can see ourselves in Daniel's struggles and triumphs. 8/12/2026