A Duet For Home

June is one of the two main characters in the story. She’s 11 years old and is Chinese American since her parents are from China but she was born in the United States. June’s family isn’t affluent, but up until her father’s death, she had a pleasant life, and in her days at Huey House, she fondly remembers “coming home with fruits in pink plastic grocery bags and fresh pastries still warm from the oven” when her father was still alive (332). Her father’s death upended her comfortable situation and caused her and her family to move into a shelter for unhoused people. June has trouble adjusting to the shelter and blames “bad luck” for her situation. As she becomes a part of the community, however, she begins to take action and pursue her goals, and her “luck” accordingly changes for the better.

The viola is crucial to June’s transformation. When she gets it back, the instrument cements her bond with Tyrell and the other people in Huey House. After June performs for them in the chapel, Marcus quips, “We’re coming to all your concerts, and we’re going to be that annoying family that makes a lot of noise” (318).