- Age Range: 4 – 8 years
- Grade Level: Preschool – 3
- Lexile Measure: AD930L
- Hardcover: 32 pages
- Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1894786335
- ISBN-13: 978-1894786331
EXCERPT from kidscanpress.com:
In this beautifully written picture book, Hana Hashimoto has signed up to play her violin at her school’s talent show. The trouble is, she’s only a beginner, and she’s had only three lessons. Her brothers insist she isn’t good enough. “It’s a talent show, Hana,” they tell her. “You’ll be a disaster!” Hana remembers how wonderfully her talented grandfather, or Ojiichan, played his violin when she was visiting him in Japan. So, just like Ojiichan, Hana practices every day. She is determined to play her best. When Hana’s confidence wavers on the night of the show, however, she begins to wonder if her brothers were right. But then Hana surprises everyone once it’s her turn to perform — even herself!
The Asian American female protagonist in this story offers a unique perspective, and bestselling author Chieri Uegaki has woven in lyrical scenes from Japan that add depth and resonance. The details in the artwork by Qin Leng connect the two places and contain a feeling of melody throughout. In the classroom, this book could serve as a celebration of music and performing arts, multicultural studies or the importance of intergenerational relationships. It is also a fabulous character education tie-in for discussing courage and perseverance. This terrifically inspiring book offers hope and confidence to all children who are yearning to master something difficult. Perhaps even more important, it allows children to see that there is more than one way to be successful at a task.
Awards: Winner of Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature
Rationale for Inclusion: In addition to winning the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, this book has been critically acclaimed by a number of credible sources including The Horn Book Magazine, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Resource Links, and Publishers Weekly.
I very much enjoyed this book and found it to be very inspirational for children because it sends the important message that even with the odds stacked against you and having those around you doubt your abilities, it is very much possible to persevere and succeed with practice, hard work, and dedication. This book can provide a great way of helping children to overcome self-doubt and motivate them to practice and work hard so that they can succeed in any endeavor that they put their mind to.
The fact that the protagonist of this book was an Asian-America female, only added to the value of this book as it offered a unique perspective not commonly seen in children’s literature.
Children's Materials: Large Group Bibliography 