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.

Author: Chieri Uegaki
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: 08/01/2014
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.91lbs
Size: 10.31h x 9.29w x 0.39d
ISBN: 9781894786331
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.7
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 167611 / Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin


Award: Governor General's Literary Awards - Finalist
Award: Ezra Jack Keats Book Award - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/23/2014
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2014
Quill & Quire 09/01/2014 pg. 35
School Library Journal 09/01/2014 pg. 114
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2014 pg. 97
Booklist 11/01/2014 pg. 48
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2015 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Chieri Uegaki is a graduate of the creative writing department at the University of British Columbia. Suki's Kimono is her first published work. She lives in Sechelt, British Columbia.

Qin Leng was born in Shanghai, China, and later moved to France and then Montreal, Canada. She now lives in Toronto, Canada, with her twin sister and works as a designer and illustrator. Her books have been nominated for numerous prizes, including the prestigious Governor General's Literary Award.