Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Chieri Uegaki, Author
Qin Leng, Illustrator
Kids Can Press, Fiction, Aug. 1, 2014
Winner: Asian/Pacific American Award Picture Book Winner 2015
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Violin, Talent Show, Practice, Teasing, Self-confidence, Courage, Individuality
Opening: “When Hana Hashimoto announced that she had signed up for the talent show and that she would be playing the violin, her brothers nearly fell out of a tree.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: When Hana announces that she’ll be playing violin in the school talent show, her brothers laugh so hard they nearly fall out of a tree. But Hana doesn’t let that stop her — she practices and practices, inspired by memories of the time she spent in Japan with her ojiichan, a professional violinist. But when the day of the performance arrives, will she be able to overcome a sudden case of nerves?
Why I like this book: This is a charming and creative story from author Cheri Uegaki. Hana is a sensitive, yet spunky and determined character. Many children will easily relate to the teasing from siblings, the jitters of performing in a talent show, and the courage to try anyway. No matter how much Hana’s brothers think she is “loopy,” she practices and perseveres despite everyone’s doubts. She remembers listening to her ojiichan (grandfather) play the sounds of chirping crickets, squawking crows, plucking rain, and squeaking mice. These memories help Hana to find her own way of playing her violin and making the performance her very own. Kids will cheer for Hana. Quin Leng’s illustrations are warm, whimsical, playful and capture the personality of each character and the tone of the story. Her pencil and digitally colored illustrations include details of both Hana’s Japanese and American life.
Resources: Introduce your child to music, take them to a children’s symphony so they can hear the various instruments. Encourage them to try an instrument in their school music program. Let them decide what instrument they would like to play. Encourage young children to play a harmonica, drums, a kazoo, or a marimba.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
This book made me smile – a girl with gumption and a great ear!
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Yes it does put a smile on your face –especially the ending! The illustrations are priceless.
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I read this book last year… it is beautiful!
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I am glad you agree. It won the Asian Pacific Children’s Book award.
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This was a great award winner. I am so glad you highlighted it today, Pat. It has such a universal message.
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Yes,I had this set to release when I heard it placed along with Grandfater’s Chinese Opera. I know this is a story every child and adult can relate too.
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Music+kids = natural pairing. And I’ve read studies that say this helps them in school work. Now I have to go look up what a marimba is.
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Yes, children who play an instrument develop more of their brain. My husband’s uncle was a well-known composer of opera and instrumental music. He talked about this with us. Sadly, I saw on TV last night that fewer children are playing the piano and other instruments. That saddens me since I was a pianist. Music is so important for kids.
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Ooh, this looks wonderful, Pat! I love your description of Hana as sensitive yet spunky, and I think you’re right that so many kids can relate to being teased by siblings. I love that Hana finds her own way to play. Thanks so much for adding this one to our list 🙂
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This is a very clever story and you are completely surprised with Hana’s performance. Yes, kids will identify with this story. Love the illustrations!
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I think just about everyone can relate to this book, having had to perform in a musical recital or competition at one point or another in their lives! Sounds like a terrific read.
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I know I identified with this book. But, there are some surprises in the ending.
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What a great story for parents to read to children, sending a message to both. It’s a bit like that writing and drawing when everyone thinks you should go get a job.
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What a great comparison! The ending is unexpected, yet perfect!
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Sounds delightful and so poignant. I’m sure I will love this spunky girl!
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It is worth reading because of a twist that shows Hana’s creative performance. Worthy of the recent Asian Pacic award.
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I love a story about a kid who keeps on keepin’ on no matter what. So resilient and persistent. I’ll cheer for her, too!
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Yes,so do I! Excellent book for children to read!
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Yay for Hana!!!!! This looks like such a lovely, spunky story! Music is BIG around these parts! It’s so important for developing good strong brains. I’m going to be looking for this one Ms Tilton!!
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This would be a great addition to your book bag — especially if music is so big.
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This reminds me of my daughter who plays violin and just finished spending a year and a half in Japan. I bet she would love this. 🙂
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I know she would love it. It has such a lovely twist at the end.
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This sounds awesome on so many levels. Looking forward to reading it.
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Yes, you would enjoy the story, spunky Hana and how she ignores the teasing and comes up with a recital that is really special.
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The cover alone wants me to drop everything and get that book from the library right away! That illustration is absolutely gorgeous!
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Yes, I loved the whimsical cover. It gets the point across. I love this courageous child and I love, love the ending!
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What a cute cover! The story is so engaging and sweet. Loved your review, Pat. I too took piano lessons as a kid. Never kept it up though.
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It is a beautifully illustrated story with priceless expressions. It is a story all kids and adults can relate too. That’s great you took lessons. I almost majored in music in college, but changed to journalism my first year.
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I like the sound of this book. Do you think it would be a good choice for a mature 5 years old who loves reading?
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Yes, I think a mature 5-year-old would love this story. It applies to just about anything in a kid’s life.
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I just ordered it for her. Thanks!
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Let me know what she thinks.
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I need to get this book and will put in a request from my library. Sounds like one for the everyday experience of children every where. Reminds me of yesterday at a recital for my neice where she sang for the firsst time in public. She sang Back to the piano. It was great. she also played piano. she is professor of music at Westminster Consevatory and is active in songfest of California this summer. I am very proud of her.
Reading this post makes sme wonder how she got so good. What in her childhood made her turn to music? her sister as well is musically inclined and plays in plays and sings opera in Italy.
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I think you will enjoy this lovely story about believing in yourself. Regarding your nieces, they have a gift and have grown up knowing that. To not express themselves musically would be like denying them air. What a gift to share with others. My husband’s uncle was a famous American opera composer who won a Pulitzer in 1962 and the National Endowment for the Arts Opera Honor in 2011 for his lifetime work.
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The cover is adorable and the story sounds charming. I like it when a protagonist is sensitive yet determined. The best kind of heroine, I believe!
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Yes, you would really enjoy this book! I’m delighted it was a 2015 Asian/Pacific American Picture Book sinner this year. Love the ending!
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I would choose this book just by it’s cover – and title. Definitely a story that I want to read.
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The cover grabbed me too, but I’m also musical so the story was of interest.
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