Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

Hana Hashimoto signs up for the school talent show to play her violin. She's only had three lessons, and her brothers constantly remind her that she's not good enough yet. Hana's memories of watching her grandfather during a recent trip to Japan inspire her. She's determined to practice everyday, just like her grandfather. When the talent show finally arrives, she gets nervous, but imagines that her grandfather is there to encourage her. She doesn't play like you'd expect; instead she plays her violin with a special twist.

This story shows the reader that it's possible to work hard at something, no matter the discouragement of others, and to overcome obstacles. Hana's connection to her Japanese grandfather highlights the special bond show more that children can have with their grandparents, as well. show less

This would be a good book for grades 3-5. There are a lot of words but you could also read it to younger kids.

This little girl wants to play violin for the talent show even though she just started. She wanted to learn because of her grandfather. Her brothers make fun of her and run away when she practices but she seizes every opportunity to practice. Her parents listen with love (they don’t shut her down) and she practices every day until the talent show.

You could use this book in a lesson about putting work into things you love and being brace in sharing it with others people. Keep going even if people tell you it’s impossible.

I love this book because it doesn’t stress if she won or lost the talent show, it stressed that she show more practiced consistently and was brave in sharing part of her life with others. She also didn’t play the violin in the traditional way, she shared the way she saw the world through sounds. show less

ARC provided by NetGalley

The school has a talent show coming up and Hana wants to play the violin at it....even though right now when she plays she sends dogs (and others) running from the music. Hana’s only had three lessons, but her grandfather or Ojiichan, is a world class violinist and she heard him play every day! And although she has fears and doubts, she recalls her grandfather’s words of wisdom and encouragements...to show the audience that beautiful music can take many, many forms.

Kids Can Press has quickly become one of my favorite publishers of picture books. Full of vibrant illustrations and quirky, but beautiful stories, like this one. In this book author Chieri Uegaki, tells us the beautiful and powerful story of a show more little girl named Hana who proves that anything is possible, even when others tell you it isn’t. Hana chooses to listen to the voice of encouragement in her Ojiichan to create music that is beautiful and memorable, in an entirely unexpected way. The watercolor illustrations are spot on perfect, capturing the youthful feel of Hana and how easily she moves and where and how she chooses to imagine that she is practicing. They really help make the story come to life.

I highly, highly recommend this book. Not just for the young, but for all ages as its a great reminder, particularly to older stubborn folks (and parents), that even the impossible can come true with dedication, courage, and some encouragement. I give the book 5 out of 5 stars. show less

“Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin” is a charming story about a little girl who, although just learning to play the violin, signs up for a school talent show. Her brothers do not believe she is ready but inspired by her grandfather who is a talented violinist, she practices every day to prepare. When her time to perform comes, she remembers his words, “do your best” Hana-chan. Although author Uegaki uses descriptive language, illustrator Leng enhances her story with cozy images of home and family. Both highlight aspects of Hana’s Japanese culture. This book is a lovely story of family, believing in yourself and focusing on your goals, and creating your own path.

I really enjoyed this book and the message behind it. Hana goes through a journey of navigating how to play the violin for the talent show and her grandfather, all while combatting the discouragement of her brothers and her own nerves. By the end of the book, she is able to make herself, and her family proud by being confident in herself and her newfound musical abilities.

Hana Hashimoto is a young and bright girl who discovers the importance of perseverance and confidence in oneself in this beautiful, musical story. Hana has just signed up to play the violin in her school's talent show, however, she is ultimately only a beginner having only taken three classes. Additionally, she is faced with relentless, rude comments from her brothers that push her down and cause her to not believe in herself. However, after remembering how dedicated her grandfather was to playing the violin when she visited him in Japan, she began practicing everyday. When it came time to perform on stage, she astonishes everyone with her performance, including herself. This wonderful story of finding courage and having the confidence show more to pursue a goal is a great addition to the classroom with its relatable protagonist. Especially in an English class, students can complete a quick-write activity in which they discuss a situation where they persevered and worked hard to reach a specific goal. show less

I loved this book because it is a story about persistence. The main character in the story, Hana Hashimoto doesn't give up on playing the violin even though her brothers teased her for playing badly. I found this very admirable. I think it can relate to students if they have ever had a similar experience, or it could inspire them. Plus, the story is about a Japanese family, which makes it a multicultural book that can be read in class.