This is a great idea and a fun story. Sure, a little dorky, but it works out in the end. I agree there are some parts that attempt to add drama but really end up distracting from the plot. The spelling bee has nothing to do with anything. Why not simply begin with a smart kid who likes math in a new town? Maybe he misses his old math club or something. The part with the new computer is strange because they act so excited about it, but then use another one. And the fact that Dex and Miss Farrell show up at the competition is strained and doesn't add anything. No need for Dani to be related to anyone, and parents could just as easily fill the Miss Farrell role. But the story does move nicely and is fun to read.
P.S.-- I wrote some childrens' stories called "The Adventures of Dude and Paco." Would you mind checking them out and letting me know what you think?

I like your voice throughout the first few chapters, but the plot is throwing me.  After winning the spelling bee, I'm expecting a confident Byron, maybe enraptured by words or books....and then, math?  And then another kid arrives who happens to love...math?  But...there's a quality to the writing that makes me want to keep reading.....so I'll abstain from voting until I finish.

Your childrens story is a story that any child could enjoy. You wrote it simple enough to keep their attention and I found it enjoyable to read also. You are a very good story teller so keep up your writing. Very captivating. Sincerely, Tamara0449

Chapter 9:  The following doesn't make sense:

"It's either your song, or we get disqualified," said Josh.

"We'd better hurry," said Miss Farrell.  Josh goes on last because he was last year's winner, but he's up next!"

It doesn't make sense because they had just arrived at the park when they started talking to Miss Farrell.  Josh joined them almost immediately.  If there are 32 bands in the competition, and Josh gets to play last, then your statement means that Band 31 is on the stage.   But that cannot be:   There is no way that 30 bands could have played in a span of 5-10 minutes. 

Also, there are typos in the last 5 chapters, but the story was cute and flowed nicely in most places.  Good Job!

I'm enjoying this quite a bit!  I just finished Chapter 5, and have a few comments.  First, there are a sprinkling of typos, here and there, which you need to tidy up -- but I was enjoying the story line too much to flag them for you.  Sorry.

Also, at points here are there, the story feels strained, instead of flowing. 

For example, instead of having Dani lug a box over to Spike's without explaining what's in it -- which just seems odd -- what if you have them all go to Dani's house to get the computer once they have decided to enter the music competition?  Then, they can head back to Spike's to set it up and make plans for the next day.

I'll read more later.