Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

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.

• Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still
• Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music
• Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah
• Flight School
• Thanks for the Feedback, I Think (Best Me I Can Be!)
• Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle
• The OK Book
• How to Catch a Star
• A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin (Schneider Family Book Awards - Young Children's Book Winner)
• The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes