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kayleeacton's review
5.0
Drum Dream Girl is a poem that was inspired by Millo Castro Zaldarriaga. The Drum Dream Girl loved to play the drums in her dreams, but she was never allowed to play them outside of them. Girls were not allowed to play the drums in her town because it was only for boys. So, she kept practicing and listening to the different sounds that would make up her song. Her father decided that he would hire someone to see if her music should be heard. The teacher was surprised with how much the Drum Dream Girl knew but was able to teach her even more. In the end, the Drum Dream Girl was able to play at a restaurant where she played her music beautifully. This story would be a great addition to my future library. It is very inspiring and motivating for all readers. No matter who you are, you can do what you love.
tangiblereads's review
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Drum Dream Girl is a beautiful celebration of Cuban culture and female empowerment with historical truths. The images are bright, lush and beautiful.
kitsuneheart's review
4.0
In early 20th century Cuba, drumming was something for only boys and men. This book tells of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a girl so enamored of the drums that she even managed to change her own father's mind, getting lessons and becoming the first well-known female drummer in Cuba, and the one to open the way for all girls after her to have the chance.
The artwork in this book blends strong outlines and smooth shading, as well as somewhat cartoonish expressions of humans. There's also a strong presence of nature in each image, calling upon Cuba's diverse ecology. Even the night-time scenes are given life, making this a rather energetic book.
The book ends with a little blurb on the real drummer girl, which gives enough information to hopefully allow readers to find some music from the girl on YouTube or on music sites. You'll definitely want to pull some music up after reading this, to add to the educational value and, hey. Music!
My only real complaint is the second instance of a "sideways" page, which is a little pet peeve of mine in children's books, which I've noticed appearing more lately. The first image sent sideways, making one tall page, is of a stilt walker, and that's a good use of the space. The second is of the girl looking up at a caged drum, and the image would have done just as well being wide, instead of tall. But, as my said, that's my only complaint, and it's just something I dislike.
While I do give it five stars, keep in mind that not every kid is going to want a copy of their own at home. Check it out from your library, and if they keep for asking it, make the purchase. Public libraries, however, would be well advised to make sure there's a copy on the shelves.
The artwork in this book blends strong outlines and smooth shading, as well as somewhat cartoonish expressions of humans. There's also a strong presence of nature in each image, calling upon Cuba's diverse ecology. Even the night-time scenes are given life, making this a rather energetic book.
The book ends with a little blurb on the real drummer girl, which gives enough information to hopefully allow readers to find some music from the girl on YouTube or on music sites. You'll definitely want to pull some music up after reading this, to add to the educational value and, hey. Music!
My only real complaint is the second instance of a "sideways" page, which is a little pet peeve of mine in children's books, which I've noticed appearing more lately. The first image sent sideways, making one tall page, is of a stilt walker, and that's a good use of the space. The second is of the girl looking up at a caged drum, and the image would have done just as well being wide, instead of tall. But, as my said, that's my only complaint, and it's just something I dislike.
While I do give it five stars, keep in mind that not every kid is going to want a copy of their own at home. Check it out from your library, and if they keep for asking it, make the purchase. Public libraries, however, would be well advised to make sure there's a copy on the shelves.
tinynavajo's review
5.0
Drum Dream Girl is about Cuba’s first female drummer, Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, during the 1930’s. On the island of music, a girl who dreams of music is told she cannot drum, drumming is only for boys. She cannot stop drumming though, and eventually she not only drums, but becomes a world-famous musician. The story is presented through a poem and beautiful paintings that capture the feel of Cuba and its music, music that is open to everyone to enjoy. The colors pop to the eye, they show the emotions of the main character, Millo, and those that both support her and oppose her. This book would be an amazing contribution to any library as it is a book that shows that anyone can do anything they put their mind to, boy or girl.
jaij7's review
5.0
Beautiful, island illustrations. The words beat rhythmically on the page just as the little girl's dream of being a drummer beat throughout this book. Great book.
courtneys_shelves's review
4.0
A Pura Belpre award winner, this book encourages girls to break taboos and go for their dreams. The illustrations are STUNNING.