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A review by kitsuneheart
Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle
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.