Booklist (*starred review)*:

Blume offers a story that is as rich as it is delicious. Using a narrative style that's slighty over the top, she sets Franny, by turns hopeful and hopeless, and her passion for the piano against the larger issues of the Red Scare that were so emblematic of the time. The characters, especially those in supporting roles, are as nuanced as they are humorous. Sandy is in equal parts proud of Franny's talent and threatened by it, and Mr. Hansen, who gave up his own musical dreams, shrugs off his ineffecuality to support his daughter. Read this one aloud and then talk about it.

Kidsreads.com:

Lesley M. M. Blume sweeps readers back to another time with her newest book --- back to a time when a school principal chain-smokes in his office and everyone fears bombing attacks from the Russians. But one thing is still the same --- a young person’s ambition to succeed at her dream. Blume expertly opens up spirited Franny’s heart and mind to readers so they can share her dream, and perhaps they will be inspired to venture out to discover their own dreams.

School Library Journal:

Rusty Nail, MN, in 1953 is the backdrop for the mischievous, sometimes hilarious, antics of Franny Hansen and her best friend, Sandy Hellickson. In addition to being rambunctious and fun loving, the 10-year-old is a piano prodigy whose talents risk being wasted by the limited ability of the town's only piano teacher. Enter Olga Malenkov, a mysterious Russian, seemingly the wife of a big-city lawyer who is a former native son of Rusty Nail. The psychology of the McCarthy period spurs the townspeople to gossip and to decide that the stranger is a Communist spy. Franny's mother offers the voice of reason to balance the hysteria and paranoia rampant at the time. When the girls decide to do some spying of their own, Franny discovers that the newcomer plays the piano beautifully. She bargains her way to lessons, and the extent of her talent is discovered. Add to the mix Franny's piano rival- a ... conceited, spoiled, bratty youngster - and a high-stakes competition, and the tension escalates. Blume has skillfully combined humor, history, and music to create an enjoyable novel that builds to a surprising crescendo.

Historical Novels Review:

The Rising Star of Rusty Nail is simply fun and laugh-out-loud funny … readers of all ages will be cheering for Franny; [even] adult readers will find themselves laughing … One can almost picture mothers and daughters (or dads and sons) snuggled up on the sofa taking turns reading chapters out loud and giggling together. Find a copy (or two) and start reading with your kids today!

The Chicago Tribune:

Two 10-year-olds study piano in tiny Rusty Nail, Minn., America's former Coot Capital, a town of diminished resources in 1953. Their rivalry unfolds against a perfectly constructed background, from the penny candy available to fears of " 'the Commies' " and the duck-and-cover drills at school. When a mysterious Russian woman moves into town, Franny sees a new piano teacher, but some smaller minds see a spy. Lesley M.M. Blume conveys the anxieties of the 1950s, but, more memorably, the passion Franny has for playing the piano.

The Pioneer Press:

When a mysterious Russian woman who's an accomplished pianist comes to town, Franny overcomes the woman's coldness and persuades her to give her lessons. But this is the Cold War era, and the townspeople are sure the Russian is a "commie" who threatens the American way of life. Franny's so determined, so talented, that the reader can't help cheering for her. This is a lovely story.

Kirkus:

Those who love a heroine with gumption struggling with injustice will enjoy this ride.

Miss Erin:

The author has captured small-town-in-the-Midwest life to an almost uncanny perfection. The book had me laughing aloud more than once! It was completely witty and delightful, and the descriptions and characters were all a joy to read. Lesley M. M. Blume is a rising star in children's literature, and you most certainly won't want to miss her new and dazzling story of a small-town girl with big dreams.

Columbus Parent Magazine:

Lesley M.M. Blume's intriguing story set in 1953, is full of humor and tenderness for young readers between the ages of 8 to 12. Franny Hansen, along with several peculiar characters will fascinate the reader and send the message that you should pursue your dreams no matter the obstacle.