Follows a girl in the 1920s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there has never been a female drummer in Cuba. Includes note about Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who inspired the story, and Anacaona, the all-girl dance band she formed with her sisters. - (Baker & Taylor)
Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule—until the drum dream girl.
In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.
Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.
This beautiful picture book was recognized with a Pura Belpré Honor. A strong option for those interested in women's history and Hispanic History topics.
How does one quiet girl change the music of an entire island?
- Inspiring True Story: Based on the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, the Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke barriers to become a world-famous drummer.
- Courage to Be Different: In a world that says girls can’t be drummers, the drum dream girl practices in secret, determined to make her own music.
- Vibrant Cuban Culture: Filled with the rhythms of congas and bongós on a colorful island where music is everywhere.
- Girl Power Anthem: An empowering tale that shows every child that they should be free to follow their dreams, no matter the rules.
- (
HARPERCOLL)
In this acclaimed picture book bursting with vibrance and rhythm, a girl dreams of playing the drums in 1930s Cuba, when the music-filled island had a taboo against female drummers.
- (
Houghton)
In this acclaimed picture book bursting with vibrance and rhythm, a girl dreams of playing the drums in 1930s Cuba, when the music-filled island had a taboo against female drummers.
- (
Houghton)
Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule—until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.
Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.
- (
Houghton)
Girls cannot be drummers. Long ago on an island filled with music, no one questioned that rule'until the drum dream girl. In her city of drumbeats, she dreamed of pounding tall congas and tapping small bongós. She had to keep quiet. She had to practice in secret. But when at last her dream-bright music was heard, everyone sang and danced and decided that both girls and boys should be free to drum and dream.
Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, Drum Dream Girl tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.
- (
Houghton)
Margarita Engle is a Cuban American poet and novelist who has won many awards, including a Newbery Honor and a Pura Belpré Honor. She lives in Northern California. Visit her website at
www.margaritaengle.com.Rafael López is an award-winning illustrator and muralist. He divides his time between San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and San Diego, California. Visit his website at
www.rafaellopez-books.com.
- (
Houghton)
Margarita Engle is a Cuban American poet and novelist who has won many awards, including a Newbery Honor and a Pura Belpré Honor. She lives in Northern California. Visit her website at
www.margaritaengle.com.Rafael López is an award-winning illustrator and muralist. He divides his time between San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and San Diego, California. Visit his website at
www.rafaellopez-books.com.
- (
Houghton)
Booklist Reviews
A talented young girl with a passion for drumming dreams of playing music in this upbeat story based on the life of Cuban musician Millo Castro Zaldarriaga. Told repeatedly that girls cannot be drummers, she refuses to give up, practicing in secret and delighting in every bit of music around her. A visit to an open-minded music teacher results in lessons and, eventually, the opportunity to perform in public. Vibrant, warm, and hopeful, this expressive story shows the power of perseverance and importance of following your dreams. Engle's prose flows easily, with clean but evocative language that will be accessible to a range of young readers. López's illustrations are lushly saturated with color, and the warm palette and bright tones transport readers to the tropical setting, while visible brushstrokes and layered colors bring depth to each scene. The text and illustrations work together beautifully here, creating a story that will imbue readers with inspiration and a yearning to make music of their own. An author's note provides some background on Zaldarriaga, the inspiration for this fictional story. Copyright 2014 Booklist Reviews.
