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list price: $21.99
edition:Hardcover
category: Children's Fiction
published: Aug 2014
ISBN:9781894786331
publisher: Kids Can Press

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Qin Leng

tagged: music, multigenerational, asian american
Description

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.

About the Authors
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 and lived in France and Montreal. She now lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto. Her father, an artist himself, was a great influence on her. She grew up surrounded by paintings, and it became second nature for her to express herself through art. She graduated from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and has received many awards for her animated short films and artwork. Qin has always loved to illustrate the innocence of children and has developed a passion for children’s books. She has illustrated numerous picture books for publishers in Canada, the United States, and South Korea.

Contributor Notes

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.

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
4 to 8
Grade:
p to 3
Reading age:
4 to 8
Awards
  • Short-listed, Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize, West Coast Book Prize Society
  • Winner, CCBC Choices , Cooperative Children's Book Center
  • Winner, USBBY Outstanding International Books, honor list, International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY)
  • Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Award, Picture Book Category
  • Short-listed, Maine State Chickadee Award, Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL)
  • Winner, Notable Books for a Global Society (NBGS) List, Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group
  • Winner, Ezra Jack Keats Book Award for New Writer, The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation
  • Short-listed, Governor General's Literary Award, Children's Literature Illustration, Canada Council
  • Short-listed, First & Best List, Toronto Public Library
  • Winner, 2014 OLA Best Bet List for Children, OLA's Canadian Materials Committee
  • Winner, Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, Picture Book Category, Asian Pacific American Librarians Association
  • Winner, Top Children's Books of 2014, Metro News
  • Winner, Top 2014 Mighty Girl Books For Younger Readers, A Mighty Girl
Editorial Reviews

Hana's clever triumph is testament to her inventiveness, perceptiveness, and dedication.—Publishers Weekly


Uegaki's book is winning in every possible way ... Hana displays courage, creative problem-solving and lots of spunk.—Kirkus Reviews


Learning to do something new and how to apply yourself and perseverance are applications that can be drawn from this book.—Resource Links


This sweet multicultural story will resonate with anyone who has experienced stage fright.—Kirkus Reviews


Combining a love for music, artful storytelling, and beautifully evocative visuals, this will likely inspire young musicians to discover how to use their nascent skills creatively.—Booklist


And that, folks, is how you tell a completely charming yet refreshingly unsentimental tale of an intergenerational bond of love.—The Horn Book Magazine


The quiet story would make a fine addition to most libraries.—School Library Journal

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Annotations

Top  Grade
Librarian review

Hana's 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.

I would share this book to help students understand the passion and commitment many young people have for playing an instrument. It is a story that helps teach young people that in order to do something well you need to practice, practice, and practice. Hana’s story also portrays the loving relationship that many young people have with their grandparents. This is the book that supports the music curriculum and also can be shared to learn about a loving Japanese family.

Author available for class visits.

Source: Association of Canadian Publishers. Top Grade Selection 2016.

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