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gillianalice's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
panda_incognito's review against another edition
4.0
I once attended a music recital with brand new violin students, so I was a little bit suspicious about this book's premise, but the author pulled off the concept in a convincing and enjoyable way. I appreciated the gorgeous illustrations, elements of Japanese culture, and emphasis on Hana's relationship with her violin-playing grandfather. This was lovely.
sean67's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderful book about young girl learning violin signing up for talent show, with a clever twist on things at the end, the book is engaging and a positive family affirming book, with the grandfather always in hr heart and mind. Another winner from the Asian Pacific awards winner book list I was looking at.
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
Although Hana is not teased by the children at school, and does not wish to change her name, her story reminds me of Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. Hana has just begun taking violin lessons. She was inspired by her grandfather's music while she was visiting him in Japan and her parents have agreed to the lessons. The problem is that Hana has signed up for the school's talent show and she has only had three lessons so far. Her brothers nearly fall out of a tree as they laugh at her announcement, but Hana just keeps practicing. On the day of the show, she is nervous and even wishes she could disappear, but she does her best - and it is a surprise to everyone, even the reader!
This is a wonderful story for so many reasons. It illustrates perseverance, courage, and the bond between a grandchild and grandparent. But it also would make a wonderful model text to share while studying descriptive writing. The imagery is so rich, and there are similes - "her brothers laughing like monkeys in the tree," adjectives - "oceanic roar" or "indigo evenings" and other great word choices to discuss. Whether you are looking for a read-aloud to help students become better writers, or just want to share a book about someone pursuing a talent and not giving up, read Hana's story to someone. You will be glad you did.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
This is a wonderful story for so many reasons. It illustrates perseverance, courage, and the bond between a grandchild and grandparent. But it also would make a wonderful model text to share while studying descriptive writing. The imagery is so rich, and there are similes - "her brothers laughing like monkeys in the tree," adjectives - "oceanic roar" or "indigo evenings" and other great word choices to discuss. Whether you are looking for a read-aloud to help students become better writers, or just want to share a book about someone pursuing a talent and not giving up, read Hana's story to someone. You will be glad you did.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
minda's review against another edition
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
calistareads's review against another edition
4.0
This might be the first book I've read about practicing an instrument to be better. Hana is a young girl with a violin and she has entered her school talent show to play for everyone and she has only had 3 lessons so far.
I spent my youth around orchestras and bands and I know (argh, my review didn't save and I have to re-write it) how terrible beginning players can sound. Yet, those same beginners can go on to make beautiful music and touch your heart one day if they keep at it. Certain instruments are worse than others.
Hana grew up listening to her grandfather play his violin for everyone. He was the 2nd violin in an orchestra and he could make really cool sounds on his violin. She woke every morning to the sounds of his practicing. That's what is needed in a music is dedication to practice and hearing someone do that is something to learn. One of the big holes in the story is the grandfather. Is he dead? Does he live in another place? We don't know and the story alludes to his death, but it's not done well and leaves the reader in confusion.
Hana's brothers make fun of her and tell her that her performance will be a disaster. Kenji and Koji are typical brothers. She ignores them. I dated a Kenji once. He was a very good guy, but his dog was jealous and ate my shoe. Anyway.
I love the talent show and the book does a great job of sharing the pressure of standing before an audience about to play. I love how smart Hana is. Instead of playing a song, so plays all the sounds the violin can make that sound like animals. It's what she loved to hear her grandfather do. Even Kenji loved it. It's a great thing here.
Anyone that wants to pick up and instrument and learn to play would appreciate this story, I believe. It's a nice ode to music and the love of playing.
My other review had more, but this is what I can recreate of it.
I spent my youth around orchestras and bands and I know (argh, my review didn't save and I have to re-write it) how terrible beginning players can sound. Yet, those same beginners can go on to make beautiful music and touch your heart one day if they keep at it. Certain instruments are worse than others.
Hana grew up listening to her grandfather play his violin for everyone. He was the 2nd violin in an orchestra and he could make really cool sounds on his violin. She woke every morning to the sounds of his practicing. That's what is needed in a music is dedication to practice and hearing someone do that is something to learn. One of the big holes in the story is the grandfather. Is he dead? Does he live in another place? We don't know and the story alludes to his death, but it's not done well and leaves the reader in confusion.
Hana's brothers make fun of her and tell her that her performance will be a disaster. Kenji and Koji are typical brothers. She ignores them. I dated a Kenji once. He was a very good guy, but his dog was jealous and ate my shoe. Anyway.
I love the talent show and the book does a great job of sharing the pressure of standing before an audience about to play. I love how smart Hana is. Instead of playing a song, so plays all the sounds the violin can make that sound like animals. It's what she loved to hear her grandfather do. Even Kenji loved it. It's a great thing here.
Anyone that wants to pick up and instrument and learn to play would appreciate this story, I believe. It's a nice ode to music and the love of playing.
My other review had more, but this is what I can recreate of it.
libraryjen's review against another edition
4.0
A very sweet story with amazing illustrations, this would make a nice group read aloud. Hana wants to play like her grandfather, but she's only had three lessons when she signs up for the school talent show. Her brothers are afraid she's going to be embarrassed, but she's determined. I love that she practices and practices to get better and the twist ending is awesome!