“She imagined that the notes would drift out through the window, past the bright rabbit moon and beyond, and Ojichan would hear them and smile.”
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth violin by Chieri Uegaki and Qin Leng
Did you ever have to perform in front of an audience as a child? Even if it was just a school poetry reading, or a musical program. Did you get nervous? I loved performing as a child, but when the actual moment came of the spotlight being on me I would definitely get butterflies in my stomach and and sometimes even a quick feeling of dread that seemed to say “what are you doing?!” I think many children, and even adults can relate. This book is wonderful for addressing these feelings/this situation and showcasing perseverance, preparation, courage, self confidence, and love.
It is about a little girl named Hana who heard the violin for the first time when her grandfather played it for her on a visit to him in Japan. She fell in love with its sound and associated it with the love she had for her grandfather as well. She is so inspired by her experience that she starts violin lessons right away when she gets home. After only three lessons she has the opportunity to participate in a talent show and she decides that she is going to do it. There’s only one problem, she still doesn’t really know how to play the violin. Her brothers tease her and she is nervous, however she is determined and finds a way to share her love for the violin and her grandfather in a beautiful and unique way. She also finds a way to overcome her stage fright in the big moment of her performance.
I love this book. I love the lesson it teaches and I love the beautiful illustrations. The story is wonderfully written as well and has a slow, sentimental feel to it. You find yourself really caring for Hana even though it is such a short story and you find her aspirations relatable. Such a great book!
Click here to purchase Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin *affiliate link
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