Kathleen Patterson Garcia

Some memories are passed down. Others are still being made. As eleven-year-old Maddie works toward earning her next karate belt, she faces challenges that test her confidence, patience, and determination. Between growing responsibilities, friendships, and the fear of not always getting things right, Maddie slowly begins learning that perseverance matters more than perfection. While spending time with Grandma Kay and the family beneath the old walnut tree, conversations about memories, accomplishments, and growing up inspire Maddie to think about the things she hopes to someday place inside a Memory Box of her own.
Filled with warmth, humor, family traditions, and heartfelt moments, Brown Belts and Brass Notes is an uplifting middle-grade story about perseverance, confidence, and the memories that help shape who we become.