Ada's Violin by
From award-winning author Susan Hood and illustrator Sally Wern Comport comes the extraordinary true tale of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay, an orchestra made up of children playing instruments built from recycled trash. Ada Ríos grew up in Cateura, a small town in Paraguay built on a landfill. She dreamed of playing the violin, but with little money for anything but the bare essentials, it was never an option...until a music teacher named Favio Chávez arrived. He wanted to give the children of Cateura something special, so he made them instruments out of materials found in the trash. It was a crazy idea, but one that would leave Ada--and her town--forever changed. Now, the Recycled Orchestra plays venues around the world, spreading their message of hope and innovation.
Blues Journey by
The blues aren't all sad. There's joy in the blues as well as heartbreak. Love discovered. Love lost. Love just around the corner. In this beautiful tribute to the poetry and art of the blues, renowned author Walter Dean Myers collaborates with his son, award-winning illustrator Christopher Myers, in a true masterpiece of picture book creation filled with struggle, grief, hope, joy, and love. Each original blues-style verse on a page calls out a response from the artist in striking tones of brown, black, white, and blue. Together, father and son weave an enchanting story of the creation of the blues through the experiences of African Americans from the end of slavery through the beginning of the civil rights movement. This book is for older children who love music and their parents who will appreciate the layered sophistication of the striking artwork and interplay between art and text. Includes an author's note explaining the birth and development of the blues, a timeline of blues milestones, and an explanatory glossary of terms in the blues. Together this content deepens the appreciation for the blues as a truly original art form. A Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor book An ALA Notable book Horn Book Fanfare Selection Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age A Children's Book of the Year, Child Study Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College
Brundibar by
From the legendary imagination of Maurice Sendak--creator of beloved classic Where the Wild Things Are--comes a classic tale of children cleverly overcoming a bully, retold by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner. Brundibar is based on a 1938 Czech opera for children that was performed fifty-five times by the children of Terezin, the Nazi concentration camp. When Aninku and Pepicek discover one morning that their mother is sick, they rush to town for milk to make her better. Their attempt to earn money by singing is thwarted by a bullying, bellowing hurdy-gurdy grinder, Brundibar, who tyrannizes the town square and chases all other street musicians away. Befriended by three intelligent talking animals and three hundred helpful schoolkids, brother and sister sing for the money to buy the milk, defeat the bully, and triumphantly return home. "An ambitious picture book that succeeds both as a simple children's story and as a compelling statement against tyranny." --School Library Journal
Canadian Railroad Trilogy by
Nominee for the 2012 Silver Birch Express Award in the Ontario Library Association's Forest of Reading Program This lavishly illustrated book brings Gordon Lightfoot's heart-stirring song, "Canadian Railroad Trilogy," to readers young and old. The song was commissioned by the CBC in 1967 to mark Canada's centennial year and it has been a classic ever since. It eloquently describes the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway -- "an iron road runnin' from the sea to the sea" -- a great feat of nation building that changed Canada forever for good and for ill, as in the process many people died and were dispossessed of their land. Highly acclaimed, award-winning illustrator Ian Wallace brings the song to visual life with his sweeping landscapes and evocative portrayals of the people who lived the building of the railroad -- from the financiers in the east to First Nations people across the country to the thousands of navvies themselves, many of whom came from as far away as China.
Change Sings by
A lyrical picture book debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author and presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long "I can hear change humming In its loudest, proudest song. I don't fear change coming, And so I sing along." In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes--big or small--in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations that build to a dazzling crescendo by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.
The Drum Calls Softly by 
Lift Every Voice and Sing by
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Written by James Weldon Johnson in 1900 to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" has become an anthem for African Americans in the struggle for equality. Bryan Collier's vibrant, stunning artwork offers an inspirational and rousing interpretation of this powerful song that continues to influence and shape new generations of children today.
The Log Driver's Waltz by
Acclaimed illustrator Jennifer Phelan reimagines Wade Hemsworth's iconic log driver in a beautiful, contemporary picture-book adaptation of a beloved Canadian classic. If you ask any girl from the parish around What pleases her most from her head to her toes She'll say I'm not sure that it's business of yours But I do like to waltz with a log driver Based on the perennially popular Canadian folk song and animated short film of the same name, The Log Driver's Waltz showcases a spunky, independent young woman whose parents are keen for her to marry. The town's well-to-do doctors, merchants, and lawyers try to impress her, but it's the humble log driver--with his style, grace, and joie de vivre--who captures her attention. When she and the log driver finally meet on the dance floor, their joy leaps off the page. With homages to the original film, and celebrating the flora, fauna, and folk art of this great land, The Log Driver's Waltz brings a hallmark of Canadian childhood to life.
Long Powwow Nights by
First Nation Communities Read Selection 2010 Resource Links Best Books 2010 A VOYA 2010 'Perfect Ten' Book The Powwow is a time-honored Native American custom. It is a celebration of life and spirituality, a remembrance of traditions, uniting a people through dance and ritual. Long Powwow Nights takes you on a wonderful journey, honoring these mystical dancers who keep their traditions alive through dance and song. In its poetic verses, David Bouchard skillfully narrates the story of a mother's dedication to her roots and her efforts to impress upon her child the importance of culture and identity. Internationally revered Native American artist, Leonard Paul, brings the story alive with his beautiful renditions of powwow dancers, warriors, and stunning landscape.
Northwest Passage by
CONNECTIONS: Grade 4, Exploring Forms and Musical Contexts. A Canadian folk song interpreted through art and with links to Canada's past and present.
Ode to Newfoundland by
Winner of the Lillian Shepherd Award for excellence in illustration of a children’s book set in Atlantic Canada Winner of the Lila Stirling Award by the Canadian Author’s Association, Nova Scotia. The Lila Stirling Award honors a great book by a Nova Scotia author for children under the age of ten. You don’t have to come from Newfoundland to appreciate it as a unique and wonderful place – the first land to see the break of day in North America. The sentiments in Ode to Newfoundland reflect the peoples’ relationship with the sea, the weather, and the rugged terrain. Written by Sir Cavendish Boyle, governor of Newfoundland from 1901 to 1904, and set to music composed by Sir C. Hubert H. Parry, Ode to Newfoundland is a tribute to a small land with an enormous heart. In this new book, Newfoundland-born Geoff Butler has set this well-loved anthem to joyous paintings, and provides readers with intriguing facts about the province: did you know, for example, that according to the Flat Earth Society, Brimstone Head on Fogo Island, is one of the four corners of the earth? With the Ode’s full text and music, and with extensive notes about Newfoundland, this informative book is one to treasure by everyone who has been touched by the magic of The Rock.
Our Song: The Story of O Canada, the Canadian National Anthem by
Simply put, this is a must-read for anyone who ever wondered about the origins of the Canadian national anthem. The gorgeous illustrations and sheet music make this book ideal for teachers who are looking for a lively way to teach Canadian history. "Our Song: The Story of 'O Canada, The Canadian National Anthem" lets young readers experience the 100-year evolution of the Canadian anthem from its composition in 1880 to the moment it was proclaimed the national anthem in 1980. Line by line in both official languages, "'O Canada" is brought to life by beautiful collage illustrations, and is accompanied by sheet music. This is the first book in the Lobster Press series, My Canada, a celebration of Canadian history designed for children.
Picturescape by
When a young boy visits the local gallery, he is whisked away on an imaginary cross-country Canadian journey as he moves from painting to painting. Each collage image in this magical book was created with coloured pencils and cut paper inspired by some of the beloved Canadian artists. This is a magical picture book without words, perfect for teaching art classes. It engages children of all ages by engaging their observation skills and encouraging their own storytelling. It also provides a fun and exciting way of introducing children to the experience of art.
We Shall Overcome: A Song That Changed the World by
"We Shall Overcome" isn't a complicated piece of music. The first verse has only twenty-two words, most of them repeated. The melody is straightforward. The chords are basic. Yet the song has had a profound effect on people throughout the United States--and the world. In clear, accessible language Stuart Stotts explores the roots of the tune and the lyrics in traditional African music and Christian hymns. He demonstrates the key role "We Shall Overcome" played in the civil rights, labor, and anti-war movements in America. And he traces the song's transformation into an international anthem. With its dramatic stories and memorable quotes, this saga of a famous piece of music offers a unique way of looking at social history. Author's note, bibliography, source notes, index.
We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song by
It only takes a few words to create change. It only takes a few people to believe that change is possible. And when those people sing out, they can change the world. "We Shall Overcome" is one of their songs. From the song's roots in America's era of slavery through to the civil rights movement of the 1960s and today, "We Shall Overcome" has come to represent the fight for equality and freedom around the world. This important book, lyrically written by Debbie Levy and paired with elegant, collage-style art by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, pays tribute to the heroic spirit of the famous song that encompasses American history.
When the Beat Was Born by
A John Steptoe New Talent Award Winner Before there was hip hop, there was DJ Kool Herc. On a hot day at the end of summer in 1973 Cindy Campbell threw a back-to-school party at a park in the South Bronx. Her brother, Clive Campbell, spun the records. He had a new way of playing the music to make the breaks--the musical interludes between verses--longer for dancing. He called himself DJ Kool Herc and this is When the Beat Was Born. From his childhood in Jamaica to his youth in the Bronx, Laban Carrick Hill's book tells how Kool Herc came to be a DJ, how kids in gangs stopped fighting in order to breakdance, and how the music he invented went on to define a culture and transform the world.
All Around the Circle by 
I See the Rhythm by
This Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award-winning title celebrates African-American music by tracing the progression of black music from its traditional roots in Africa to contemporary hip hop. Full color.
Link is to Elijah Malcomb, who is John Laurens/ Philip Hamilton in the North American Tour of Hamilton, reading i see the rhythm, hosted by
Perfect Harmony: A Musical Journey with the Boys Choir of Harlem by
A collection of poems that capture the feelings and expression of music in some of its forms.
This Land Is Your Land by
Honor America-and Woodie Guthrie's 90th birthday-with this beautiful gift package. Featuring the complete lyrics and musical notation to the beloved anthem "This Land is Your Land," as well as a photo-essay about Woody, a note from his daughter Nora Guthrie, and a tribute by beloved folk singer Pete Seeger, this stunning book paints an unforgettable picture of our diverse land.Now an award-winning CD containing nine popular folk songs performed by Woody and Arlo Guthrie is bound into the book, making this a treasure for the whole family or classroom to share.
This Land Is My Land by
Littlechild draws on his Plains Cree background in this presentation of 17 of his full-color paintings that focus on Native American history.
When I Get Older by
CONNECTIONS: Grade 5: Identify & describe key influences of music within contemporary culture.
Somali-Canadian poet, rapper, singer and songwriter K'naan tells his own story. Book trailer by Queen's 2013 teacher candidate Karli Feldman.
This Land Is Your Land by
An illustrated version of the classic Woody Guthrie folk song, perfect for a family singalongs! Since its debut in the 1940s, Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" has become one of the best-loved and most timely folk songs in America, inspiring activism and patriotism for all. This classic ballad is now brought to life in a richly illustrated edition for the whole family to share. Kathy Jakobsen's detailed paintings, which invite readers on a journey across the country, create an unforgettable portrait of our diverse land and the people who live it.
The Man with the Violin by
Who is playing that beautiful music in the subway? And why is nobody listening? This gorgeous picture book is based on the true story of Joshua Bell, the renowned American violinist who famously took his instrument down into the Washington D.C. subway for a free concert. More than a thousand commuters rushed by him, but only seven stopped to listen for more than a minute. In The Man with the Violin, bestselling author Kathy Stinson has woven a heart-warming story that reminds us all to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Dylan is someone who notices things. His mom is someone who doesn't. So try as he might, Dylan can't get his mom to listen to the man playing the violin in the subway station. But Dylan is swept away by the soaring and swooping notes that fill the air as crowds of oblivious people rush by. With the beautiful music in his head all day long, Dylan can't forget the violinist, and finally succeeds in making his mother stop and listen, too. Vividly imagined text combined with illustrations that pulse with energy and movement expertly demonstrate the transformative power of music. With a postscript explaining Joshua Bell's story, and afterword by Joshua Bell himself.
Drum Making: A Guide for the Anishinaabe Hand Drum by
"The drum is the heartbeat of Mother Earth. It has been a cornerstone of First Nations cultures since time immemorial. In this book, we will explore the roots of the Anishinaabe hand drum. Seen across many parts of the Great Lakes region of Turtle Island (the Anishinaabe name for North America), the hand drum is a time-honoured object that sustains music and tradition for the Anishinaabe people." (p. 5)